A proud partner of Issuu, NZ Polo Open, House On Third U.S. Polo Assn., The Impression and Mixam
PLETTENBURG POLO CLUB
Plett Polo Festival
SA Open
Ladies Polo
THE GAUNTLET OF POLO
The U.S. Open Polo Championships
The U.S. Open Women's Polo Championships
Women Of Wellington Polo Classic
GRAND CHAMPIONS POLO CLUB
Bronze Cup
North American Cup
National 20-Goal
EL DORADO POLO CLUB
Rossmore Cup
FORMULA 1
Australian Grand Prix
Chinese Grand Prix
Japanese Grand Prix
CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
ROLAND GARROS
POLO CLUB DE CHANTILLY
Rallye d'Aumale
Trophee de Bourbon
Coupe PGH
Polo Nations Cup
Inaugural Women's Polo Nations Cup
Arena Polo World Championships
French Women's Open
Barnes French Open
WIMBLEDON
SCOREBOARDS & COCKTAILS
Do this when you feel scatterbrained, page 87
Who's Who of Yachting at StBarths Regatta, page 52
The bags you need for summer and fall, page 136
Get on the sexual wellness travel trend, page 60
PAGE 118 AT HOME WITH PACHO OF JAIPUR
THIS IS MY EIGHTH SPRING HERE IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, AND THE MONTH OF MARCH ALWAYS CATCHES ME OFF-GUARD. FROM THE RAINING AND COLD OF JANUARY, FEBRUARY HERE IN NORCAL CAN BRING WARM SUNSHINE AND TEMPERATURES OVER 75 F. MARCH, ON THE OTHER HAND, IS USUALLY A FRIGID RETURN TO WINTERY CONDITIONS, RAIN AND EVEN FROST.
I spent most of my free time in March uncovering garden furniture, putting out the cushions and pillows, watering the plants and then frantically running to undo what I just did as the sky turned from aqua blue to angry gray, soaking
It’s therefore no surprise that March is the longest month of the year – or at least feels like – here in NorCal. But as March disappears into April each year, it really starts to feel like spring again. And with spring, comes polo… and we’ve no shortage of it for the next few months to come, regardless of what continent you find yourself, there’s polo just a short drive away.
But for now, bundle up for one last cool wave and settle in one last time before spring temps turn into scorching summer days.
From flower to fragrance... the savoir faire of J'adore is a tribute to time, craftsmanship and nature's
Step aboard the @orientexpress Corinthian, a luxury cruise ship set to launch in 2026
The Terramineral jewelry collection shines in two colors
The Duchess of Sussex' As Ever capsule collection sold out in minutes
The District Cup is coming to the National Mall on June 14, 2025
The new Land-Dweller available in 36 or 40mm sizes, fitted with the Flat Jubilee bracelet that integrates with the case
Click and comment on our choices... Tag @pololifestyles . We will share noteworthy comments with you next month.
Join Fiol Prosecco in the heart of Verona for a pre @vinitalyofficial celebration
The art of sophistication in every tasting experience
Facundo Pieres in Pilot's first game of the 2025 U.S. Open Polo Championship
The final installment of the beloved seriesturned-feature film is coming to theaters on September 12
Demand for high-end boats is at an all-time high, with the Dubai Boat Show happening now
Quietly curating a collection of silver items with a little help from @mjsgroupe
Fun colors for spring from U.S. Polo Assn. the global outfitter of polo around the world
El Dorado Polo Club winds down its season with the National Rossmore Cup
Ready for a day on the Suzuka race track for team BWT Alpine Formula One
champagnepommery
robbreport
Park Place (Andrey Borodin, Louis Hine, Hilario Ulloa, Mariano “Peke” Gonzalez Jr.) claimed its first USPA Gold Cup title on Sunday, March 23, at the National Polo Center in Wellington, Fla., on U.S. Polo Assn. Field One, with a 10-9 overtime win against Coca-Cola (Gillian Johnston, Lorenzo Chavanne, Pablo “Polito” Pieres, Julian de Lusarreta).
Each team arrived at the final with an undefeated record, setting the stage for the first Gauntlet of Polo final without either Poroto or Adolfo Cambiaso since the 2022 U.S. Open Polo Championship.
It may not have been a straight win of the Gauntlet of Polo presented by TruBar, but it did give Park Place the trio of titles that make up the series. “It’s our first ever Gold Cup win,” said Park Place Manager, Ash Price. “We’ve won the C.V. Whitney twice (2021, 2022) and the U.S. Open (2023), so to win the Gold Cup is incredible!”
The game delivered from the opening throw-in. Coca-Cola’s Pieres struck first with two field goals in the opening two minutes, but Gonzalez Jr., on Best Playing Pony, 5, answered for Park Place. “In the first chukker he made two amazing plays,”
Gonzalez Jr. reflected afterwards on the grey gelding, bought in Argentina from Javier Canton and a longtime favorite in his string. “Showing his attitude and his personality, he helped me score.” Gonzalez Jr. went on to set up Hine for a goal to level the playing field 2-all to end the first chukker.
Coca-Cola’s coach Mariano Aguerre recognized the challenge his team was facing going up against Park Place. “To win one of these major tournaments you need to beat the best teams and without a doubt [Park Place] it’s one of the top teams,” he said. “The biggest thing is the organization they have, the level of horses. It is probably one of the best mounted teams around.”
Park Place then surged ahead with a string of goals to build a 6-3 lead, including two more from 19-year-old Gauntlet rookie Hine. In the fourth, Chavanne set up de Lusarreta to bring Coca-Cola back within one, while the team held Park Place scoreless for the first time in the match. Fittingly, Gonzalez Jr. brought out 5 again in the fifth, the BPP’s second appearance of the game. The decision paid off and the pair struck on offense for an 8-6 Park Place cushion. A true back-andforth match, Coca-Cola only trailed by one moving into the final chukker.
In the sixth chukker, Park Place quickly restored the two-goal advantage with an impressive signature neckshot goal from Gonzalez Jr.—as a noticeable degree of
silence fell over Coca-Cola fans, clustered by the end zone. “I think a key play that gave us a lot of energy to keep pushing— because it was so intense, so even—was Peke’s goal to go up by two,” said Ulloa. “That gave us an extra push. In such a tight game—yea, they scored right after–but a moment like that lifts the whole team.” Aware of Coca-Cola’s ability to strike quickly, Hine added, “A great team like Coca-Cola—you know, four great players—they can score a few goals in the space of a minute, so you can never be too comfortable.”
Refusing to go quietly, and ultimately forcing overtime, Coca-Cola fought back as Pieres masterminded two goals to
THE GAUNTLET OF POLO 2025 USPA GOLD CUP
equalize the score 9-all with 44 seconds left on the clock. Ultimately, Ulloa delivered the golden goal in the extra chukker, converting a Penalty 2 to secure the title. The win marked his second USPA Gold Cup, 15 years after his first.
Reflecting on the significance of the win, Ulloa emphasized the years of effort behind the moment. “It’s huge—because it’s not just about a win,” he shared. “It’s everything Park Place has been working toward for years. At the beginning, it took us a while to get some proper trophies. We’ve been fighting for a long time, and sometimes winning the cup is the only thing that reflects all that hard work. If you lose the final, it feels like the job wasn’t done. But when you have the horses, the right people, and you build a good
THE GAUNTLET OF POLO 2025 USPA GOLD CUP
group around you—grooms, farriers, vets, trainers—and it all comes together, it means everything. This year, the team clicked, the horses performed at their best, and I’m just so proud of everyone who’s worked so hard to make it happen.”
When asked who stepped up and made the biggest impact, Ulloa pointed to the team’s unified effort. “If I have to say one, it’s probably the team,” he said, emphasizing Park Place’s collective performance over any individual contribution.
“Because I think Louis played amazing. Peke stepped up big time in key moments and scored some amazing goals. Andrey did a great job on defense, because we know one of their best offensive plays is hitting the long balls to Gillian. So, he made a big effort being back and being disciplined.”
Hine rose to the occasion when he got the opportunity to try out for Park Place. “When I managed to get the spot on the team, I knew I just had to go throw
everything at it and do my best,” he said. “I was lucky that we clicked well early on and we got better and better every game getting to know each other.” Hine’s performance did not go unnoticed and he was named Most Valuable Player. The win held special meaning for the English teenager, in his first season competing at the high-goal level. “This title means a lot,” Hine said. “This is my second season here in Florida. I played a 16-goal last year with 90210. And this is my first year playing the high goal, so to get to a final
and manage to win it is amazing—it’s a dream come true. I always watched polo here in the States. When I was younger and had to go to school, on a Sunday night I’d stay home and try to watch the games. But now to be here playing and win a tournament… it’s a dream come true!”
Best Playing Pony presented by Palm Beach Equine was awarded to Gonzalez’s 5, played in the first and fifth chukkers. The gelding also won Best Playing Pony
in the 2023 Silver Cup at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, California. Park Place took home the $75,000 in prize money. In partnership with USPA Global, both finalists selected a charity of their choice to receive a $2,500 donation for a selection of 10 nonprofits. Coca-Cola selected Polo for Life and Park Place chose to donate to the Polo Training Foundation.
Park Place’s win also carried emotional weight following the death of
Rufino Lauhlé in January. The promising 15-year-old Argentine player was due to join the Park Place lineup for the Gauntlet this year but lost his life in a tragic car accident shortly before traveling to Florida. “I want to honor Rufo Lauhlé today,” Ulloa said. “We had a tough start of the season. I wish he would have been here. Louis did an amazing job, but this final has been very emotional due to what happened. Today we were with five guys on the field, probably he was around and he helped us.”
EL DORADO POLO CLUB
DAVID LOMINSKA
U.S. POLO
EL DORADO POLO CLUB USPA NATIONAL ROSSMORE CUP
COPA REPUBLICA ARGENTINA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATERINA MORGAN FOR POLO LIFESTYLES
PALERMO, ARGENTINA
– The final round of the National Intercircuit Handicap Championship for the Argentine Republic Cup was decided on Saturday, March 29. Sixteen 16- to 23-goal teams participated.
In the tournament’s grand finale, La Irenita narrowly defeated Las Rosas La Natividad 13-12 – after conceding a 5-goal advantage due to their lower team valuation – and thus won this important federal competition for the third time.
La Irenita defended their lead tooth and nail, and with great performances from “Vizcacha” Mac Donough and Custodio Eleno, they remained ahead on the scoreboard throughout the first five chukkas of the match. Las
COPA REPUBLICA ARGENTINA
Rosas La Natividad, with a very good performance from “Lukín” Monteverde, tried in every possible way to neutralize the advantage they had lost, a situation they were able to achieve only in the final
quarter, in which they tied the score at 11-11 with a goal from Santi Cernadas and 12-12 with an excellent goal from Lukín. And when it seemed that the final would go to extra time, Custodio Eleno
went on a great run, making it 13-12 with only 25 seconds left until the final bell, giving La Irenita the title.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATERINA MORGAN FOR POLO LIFESTYLES
COPA REPUBLICA ARGENTINA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATERINA MORGAN FOR POLO LIFESTYLES
ST-BARTHS REGATTA 2025
THE CARIBBEAN'S EPICENTER FOR SAILING & PARTYING
ST-BARTHS REGATTA
LURES THE MOST-LUXURIOUS YACHTS IN THE WORLD TO THEIR HARBOR
BLACK PEARL
BUILDER: OCEANCO LENGTH: 106.7M
THE EPICENTER OF CARIBBEAN SUPERYACHT RACING, ST BARTHS ALWAYS BRINGS AN IMPRESSIVE ARRAY OF SUPERYACHT SPECTATORS IN TOW. THESE ARE SOME OF THE MOST IMPRESSIVE YACHTS SEEN PULLING INTO GUSTAVIA FOR THE FAMED REGATTA, BEGINNING WITH THE WORLD’S SECOND-LARGEST SAILING YACHT.
Shadowed only by Koru at 127 meters, the world’s second largest sailing yacht Black Pearl took the industry by storm following her delivery in 2018. It’s only fitting that she came with the world’s largest Dynarig (at the time), set over three towering carbon masts that can propel the sailing yacht to a maximum speed of 20 knots. Last year, Black Pearl hit the headlines with the reveal of her previously unseen interiors, complete with silk and gold detailing in the style of King Louis XVI. Her layout is also unconventional, with the owner placing emphasis on the main saloon and a huge private study, rather than his cabin, which is situated on the lower deck.
MOONRISE
BUILDER: FEADSHIP LENGTH: 99.9M
Another record-breaker, Moonrise was the largest superyacht ever built in the Netherlands at the time of her launch. She’s remained fairly private since 2020, though her “sensual” lines by Studio De Voogt, roomy 15.5-meter beam and helipad make for a striking sight wherever she cruises. The judges of the World Superyacht Awards were also allowed a peek on board – including at her contemporary Rémi Tessier interiors – which led to Moonrise clinching a win in her size category at the 2021 edition. According to BOATPro, she has arrived in Gustavia for the Bucket following an extended stay in Puerto Rico.
HBC
BUILDER: ABEKING & RASMUSSEN
LENGTH: 85.7M
A vivid bi-color exterior – tri-color if you include the pop of yellow at the waterline – is what sets HBC apart. The superyacht has been continuously improved throughout her life, including a four-million-euro refit in 2022 (which resulted in brandnew interiors from British studio Winch Design) and 2020 works that involved a seven-meter hull extension and a new glass-bottom swimming pool. The latter is flanked by a large swim platform, sunloungers and fold-down balconies – the perfect spot to soak in some Caribbean sunshine.
OBSIDIAN
BUILDER: FEADSHIP
LENGTH: 84.2M
The first in Feadship’s new generation of reduced-emission vessels, Obsidian will be another eye-catching addition to this year’s Bucket. Her glinting, futuristic exterior is by British studio RWD in collaboration with MONK Design, with a cutting-edge underwater lounge to match. The brief for Obsidian was to be more energy efficient and emit less carbon than Feadship’s first hybrid yacht, the 83.5-meter Savannah, which launched in 2015. And Obsidian delivers, with 4.5 times more electrical storage capacity than the earlier build.
ALFA NERO
BUILDER: OCEANCO
LENGTH: 81.3M
What’s more iconic than Alfa Nero’s aft deck pool? Surrounded by sunloungers and a sit-up bar, the 12-meter novelty can be raised to form a helipad or dance floor – a feature that was especially impressive when the yacht was delivered in 2007. Her design team is predominantly Italian, with Nuvolari Lenard responsible for her exterior and Alberto Pinto her “pop-art-deco” interiors. The superyacht made a triumphant return to the charter market last year and seems to be a fan of St Barths, having been spotted in the area for the latest New Years’ festivities.
COMPASS
BUILDER: TURQUOISE YACHTS
LENGTH: 77M
Ordered by a first-time owner, Go was a bold project in scope and design. The Turkish yard had already begun building what would become its new flagship before the owner stepped in to add some custom interior touches. This included turquoise enameling, a glass-blown Dale Chihuly sculpture and 10 tonnes of mirror-polished steel – the latter being so heavy that Turquoise had to re-engineer the yacht to accommodate. Her distinctive, sweeping exterior is by London-based H2 Yacht Design, with her hull painted a conspicuous (and punny) shade of “Island Turquoise”.
UTOPIA IV
BUILDER: ROSSINAVI
LENGTH: 63M
Utopia IV is yet another World Superyacht Award winner attending this year’s St Barths Bucket, having won her size category in 2019. The judges called her a “thrilling vessel” with “understated interiors”, which incorporate brands such as Armani and Hermes throughout the living spaces. Other highlights include a 70-square-meter beach club, three spa pools, a touch-and-go helipad and an owner’s suite with a private six-meter terrace. This year, she joined the market for the first time since her launch in 2018.
FIREBIRD
BUILDER: FEADSHIP
LENGTH: 69.5M
Delivered in 2007, Firebird is every bit the classic Feadship – on the outside. But those who step on board will see the eccentric fruits of her 2023 refit, including a huge terracotta bubble-like sofa, a showpiece marble bar and a reconfigured split-level master suite with an office space. Firebird accommodates up to 12 guests and has a longstanding crew of 19 who have a whole host of entertainment up their sleeves, including a personal trainer and yoga instructor. It’s no wonder she was recently selected as BOAT International’s charter yacht of the week.
S EXPLORE
Exploring our intimate needs and desires is a long overdue endeavor—this is why adding sex to your next travel itinerary shouldn’t be taboo.
WHEN IT COMES TO OUR BODY’S HEALTH, THERE ARE A FEW THINGS WE TAKE AS GIVEN FACTS. WE KNOW, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT BROCCOLI IS GOOD FOR OUR GUT MICROBIOME AND WORKING OUT CAN HELP OUR HEART. BUT WE OFTEN OVERLOOK THE BENEFITS OF SEX ON OUR OVERALL HEALTH. DID YOU KNOW THAT SEX CAN SUPPORT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM, IMPROVE SLEEP, BUILD TRUST AND REDUCE STRESS? OR THAT YOGA AND MEDITATION CAN ENHANCE AROUSAL AND DESIRE?
For a time, wellness seemed as simple as a smoothie and spin class, but we now know our health hinges on an interconnected system between mind and body. However, frank conversations about sex are long overdue, with sexual wellness one of the final frontiers of health left for mainstream exploration. Now, big players in the travel industry are finally getting on board. Below, we take a deeper look into what exactly sexual wellness is, and round up the hotels, spas, and retreats offering ways to explore it.
What is sexual wellness?
“I see sexual wellness as a journey towards sexual authenticity, freedom and pleasure,” says Dr. Karen Gurney, a clinical psycholo-
gist and psychosexologist, who wrote Mind The Gap: The Truth About Desire And How To Futureproof Your Sex Life. “Sexual satisfaction is highly correlated with both relationship satisfaction and psychological well-being. Sex helps us connect with our bodies, our identity and the present moment.”
While many of the health benefits of sex and intimacy come from its release of the “love” hormone oxytocin, it would be reductive to see sexual wellness as simply an accrual of hormonal hits. Sexual wellness is as much about connection, self-esteem and comfort with one’s own sexuality as it is about sex toys, condom supplies and how many orgasms you have.
“We are sold an idea that sex—solo or partnered—is just a frivolous pursuit using our bodies only,” says Dr Gurney. “Seeing it as separate to our identity, politics or relationships makes it easy to dismiss as unimportant. Because of this, many people don’t reflect on, set goals for, or put effort into their sex life in the way they might with other aspects of their life, such as work, diet or exercise. And because sex and shame are often linked in our minds, this can make it hard to talk about or feel entitled to improve.”
Why is sexual wellness relevant now?
While sex is older than language, the pandemic certainly pushed the modern conversation. During the first lockdown, the beauty website Cult Beauty revealed that the search term “sexual wellness” soared on its site by 850 per cent. Meanwhile, a study by The Kinsey Institute found that although
sex declined during the pandemic, one in five people expanded their sexual repertoire—and these additions (such as sexting, massages, new positions and sharing fantasies) made them three times more likely to report improvements in their sex life.
It won’t surprise you that Gwyneth Paltrow, the queen of wellness site Goop, has been banging the drum for sexual wellness for some time, but this year saw her launch Goop Sex on Instagram—aka, “A space for the pursuit of pleasure”. If Paltrow is making moves, you know something’s about to shift. Indeed, the global sexual wellness market is expected to reach a value of $55 billion by 2028. So, it’s no wonder the travel industry is exploring ways to tap into this growing area of interest, too.
In 2022, Six Senses Ibiza and St. Regis Punta Mita held sexual wellness retreats, the W Brisbane ran a pop-up sexologist concierge service and, this year, SHA Wellness launched its sexual health unit. Meanwhile, hotels around the globe now stock “love kits” as casually as they do salted nuts in the minibar.
What is a sexual wellness retreat?
“It’s well known that getting away from the grind of daily life helps us tap into our sexuality,” says Dr. Gurney. “This is due to a combination of the novelty of surroundings, less mental load in terms of cleaning and cooking and spending more quality time on activities or with people who bring us joy.”
Retreats can vary from the do-it-yourself
kind—think of it like a next-gen take on the dirty weekend—to expert-run, structured formats that incorporate practices such as coaching and erotic massage with discussions about boundaries, desire, body image, and more.
However, any retreat that prioritizes rest, allows your stress levels to dissipate somewhat and gives you an opportunity to connect with your body through activities such as yoga or breath work—as well as with a partner (if you have one), will support your sexual wellness, even if sex isn’t the trip’s MO.
“One of the key benefits of a retreat is simply getting out of your own space,” says Dr. Gurney. “And for many, it might be the perfect circumstances to kick-start newness in their sexual wellbeing. The
question then might be around sustainability: ‘How will we/I keep this going when back at home and life kicks in again?’” Below, we round up eight places to visit for sexual wellness.
Back to the Body, various locations
Back To The Body’s retreats, in locations such as Italy, France, New York, and Mexico, help women express themselves in a non-judgmental way. Its slogan is “It’s not sex school—it’s self school”, and founder Pamela Madsen is something of an OG in the world of sexual wellness, with a method honed over a decade that includes bodywork sessions with intimacy coaching to identify desire and overcome shame. A recent study in the Journal of Sexual and Relationship
Therapy found its participants reported significant improvements in body image, arousal, and satisfaction, as well as an increased sense of sisterhood. It is no wonder 95% of participants return.
SHA Wellness, Spain
This award-winning destination spa in the Sierra Helada Natural Park was already a go-to for those in search of serious wellness—now it’s added another area of expertise to its integrative approach with a new Sexual Health Unit. Launched in August 2023, the unit incorporates SHA’s 360-degree approach to well-being and addresses all aspects of sexual wellness, including function, desire and self-esteem. “We will ask about sexual satisfaction the same way as we are concerned about high blood pres-
sure numbers because it is all part of our comprehensive approach to health,” says psychologist Cinthya Molina, who heads the new service.
Naturhotel Forsthofgut, Leogang, Austria
A holiday with children can often feel like the antagonist to intimacy thanks to the lack of alone time. So it’s no small feat that Naturhotel Forsthofgut, a fivestar family-friendly hotel on the slopes of the Asitz mountain makes romance achievable. “As a parent, I know how important it is to have some time with your partner,” says the hotel’s owner Christoph Schmuck. “We make it easy by offering childcare from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily and reserving some spaces for grown-ups.” Head to the adults-only spa
for one of its treatments à deux, such as the two-hour waldSPA Sensual, which includes an onsen ritual with massage and relaxation time. Or why not enjoy champagne under the stars with a private booking of the rooftop whirlpool?
Sex Club, London and Berlin
Despite what the name might suggest, Sex Club is a thoroughly clothes-on affair. Co-founded six years ago by counselors Juliane Mueller and Conor Cregg, these weekend workshops in London and Berlin combine psychology and psychotherapy somatic experiences to create a safe, fun and inclusive space to explore sex, whatever your orientation, gender or
relationship status. Through discussion and embodied exercises, participants will cover areas such as playfulness and desire and learn to touch, receive and experience pleasure, all while finding deeper connection with themselves and shedding shame and inhibitions in the process.
Unyoked remote private cabins United Kingdom
If you’re keen to improve your sexual wellbeing but want something less structured than a formal retreat, why not make your own? Unyoked—which offers sustainable eco-cabins in remote nature spots—has teamed up with sexual well-
ness company Normal to create Come Together, a downloadable intimacy and connection course from professional sex coach Georgia Grace. Consider it ideal off-grid entertainment to keep you busy while you immerse yourself in nature. Cabins are available in areas such as the South Downs, Suffolk and Norfolk, as well as The Black Mountains in Wales, where views across the Welsh Valleys provide the perfect backdrop for a wild adventure.
Jan Day Retreat: Living Tantra Somerset
Tantric sex may have made headlines when singer Sting spoke about his seven-hour sessions, but the ancient Indian practice of Tantra—which is about entwining the sensual with the spiritual— pre-dates 70s rock by a good few millennia. Renowned Tantra and relationship expert Jan Day’s week-long retreats for men and women feature meditation, breath work, sharing circles and explorations utilizing dance and touch. “Feeling
comfortable and at ease with our natural sexuality supports us to live our fullest life,” says Day. Her Somerset workshops take place at the pared-back EarthSpirit Centre, surrounded by lush countryside just five miles from Glastonbury.
Chaya Yoga Retreats, Ibiza
Chaya Yoga Retreats harness the beautiful Balearic views to give participants a nature-infused dose of yogic wellbeing. With different themed events throughout the year, 2024 looks set to see the return of The Temple of Yoni:
Transformation Through Pleasure. This week-long retreat will include daily yoga, meditation, breath work and workshops to understand your pleasure anatomy (“yoni” being the Sanskrit word for the vulva, vagina and womb space). “There is a massive gap in most people’s understanding of what sex actually is and can be. Within the realm of sexuality, there is an unlimited potential for healing, transformation and ecstasy,” says Chaya founder Lucy Hill.
STAY IN THE HEART OF ROME AT
PALAZZO TALIA
THE HOLLYWOOD-INSPIRED INJECTION INTO EUROPEAN GLAMOR
PALAZZO TALIA
ROME'S NEWEST LUXURY PROPERTY
LUCA GUADAGNINO’S FIRST HOTEL FINDS A HOME IN A 16TH-CENTURY ITALIAN PALACE
ROBERT DE NIRO, FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA, RIDLEY
SCOTT… IT SEEMS LIKE EVERYONE IN HOLLYWOOD IS PUTTING DOWN THE CAMERA AND PICKING UP THE KEYS TO THEIR VERY OWN HOTELS. THE LATEST TO THROW THEIR HAT INTO THE HOSPITALITY HOOP IS LUCA GUADAGNINO, THE DIRECTOR BEHIND CALL ME BY YOUR NAME AND CHALLENGERS.
Having founded his own interior design studio, Studio Luca Guadagnino, in 2017, its first project has been transforming the public spaces and the signature suite at Palazzo Talìa, the newly restored 26-room boutique hotel in the heart of Rome.
The 16th-century Palazzo Talìa was once thought to be home to ancient Roman Gods, and over the centuries since has passed hands between clergymen, noblemen and diplomats, at one point becoming home to the Nobile Collegio del Nazareno school, before shutting its doors in 1999.
Following a three-year renovation, Palazzo Talìa has been brought back to life by the Federici family, and the hotel is now welcoming guests to its 26 rooms, restaurant, bar, and spa.
The design of Palazzo Talìa has carefully balanced its architectural history and character with the Federicis’ deeply fueled passion for the arts.
Enlisting Guadagnino and his studio to work on the public spaces, the director’s colorful and playful cinematic style is on clear artistic display at Palazzo Talìa; from the monumental floral carpet that flows throughout the palace, to the
PALAZZO TALIA
candy-colored furniture that pops against the Magna Hall’s magnificent 18th-century frescoes from painter Gaspare Serenari.
“What does it mean to undertake a project like [a] hotel’s interior design? Perhaps it’s one of the quintessential expressions of this profession,” spoke Studio Luca Guadagnino’s lead designer, Pablo Molezún. “The most exhilarating
aspect was pondering how to intervene in a place so steeped in history and tailor it to a completely different, bespoke garment to breathe new life into the palace.”
Studio Luca Guadagnino was also given the keys to make over one of Palazzo Talìa’s signature suites, the Terrace Suite, a wood-paneled oasis complete with a private terrace overlooking the central hotel courtyard.
Meanwhile, architect Marianna Lubrano Lavadera from the design studio MIA Home Design Gallery, along with architect Laura Ferold, designed the exquisite interiors of the remaining 25 rooms. Championing the finest in Italian craftsmanship, each room is unique and bespoke, with much of the furniture being one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces, offering an eclectic blend of classic and contemporary styles.
CARBS THAT PROTECT AGAINST CANCER AND HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS Leftover pasta? Yep.
(It may actually be quite good for you.)
CARBS HAVE GOTTEN A PRETTY BAD RAP OVER THE PAST FEW DECADES, WITH “HEALTHY” RECIPES AND HEALTH-FOCUSED FOLKS DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO AVOID THEM ALTOGETHER.
But carbs actually aren’t evil, and there’s new focus on a specific type of carbohydrate that’s actually really good for you. New studies even say it may help manage type 2 diabetes and lower your risk of developing cancer.
MEET RESISTANT STARCHES
These carbs have caught fire on social media, with people posting a ton of videos of themselves refrigerating their rice and pasta in an effort to load up on this nutrient.
Of course, resistant starches aren’t covered in your standard health classes so it’s more understandable to have questions about what these are and why you should care about them. Here’s everything to know about resistant starches, plus how to reap all their healthy benefits.
WHAT IS A RESISTANT STARCH?
Starches are a complex carbohydrate that are found in plant foods, says Alissa
Lupu, CDN, a nutritionist at NewYorkPresbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Starch is digested, broken down into glucose (a.k.a. sugar), and absorbed by the body.
Resistant starches, on the other hand, are a form of complex carbohydrate that the body cannot break down. As such, they pass through to the colon and support the beneficial bacteria that live there, Lupu says.
WHERE DO RESISTANT STARCHES COME FROM?
All those TikTok posts about putting rice and pasta into the fridge? They’re on to something, says Jessica Cording, RD, author of The Little Book of GameChangers. “When you cool starchy foods, some of the starches that are digestible convert to resistant starches in a progress called retrogradation,” she says.
That doesn’t mean you need to eat cold pasta from now on. “The cooling process creates resistant starches that remain even when you reheat the food before eating,” Lupu says. “This is particularly true if you cool the foods in the refrigerator.”
Whole grains, beans, and seeds like flax and pumpkin inherently have resistant starch, Cording says. Bananas that are just beginning to get ripe (i.e. right past being green) also have some resistant
BY KORIN MILLER/SPECIAL
starch, she adds.
While resistant starches are a healthier form of carbs, Cording says they’re not a magical nutrient. “Resistant starch won’t magically transform your body, but it is functional and helpful,” she says.
Why are resistant starches good for you?
Resistant starches actually act more like fiber than a traditional starch, according to Lindsay Malone, RDN, MS, an instructor in the Department of Nutrition at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Of course, fiber has proven perks—it helps promote good digestive health, lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and can help with weight management, per the Mayo Clinic. Resistant starch has some of the same benefits, says Cording.
Plus, resistant starch provides fewer digestible calories and serves as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria, per Malone.
When bacteria in the gut consume resistant starch, they produce gasses along with short-chain fatty acids, Lupu explains. “These short-chain fatty acids—butyrate in particular— provide nourishment to the cells of the colon and generally act to protect them,” she says.
Weird Health Symptoms
THAT YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE
ENDOCRINOLOGISTS ARE USED TO PEOPLE NOT KNOWING WHAT THEY DO. PATIENTS OFTEN ASSUME THAT, FOR EXAMPLE, DR. RASA KAZLAUSKAITE SPENDS HER DAYS FOCUSED ON THE “LOVE HORMONES,” LIKE TESTOSTERONE AND ESTROGEN.
She reminds them that we all have a variety of hormones and hormone-producing glands with important jobs—including the pituitary gland, which oversees everything from growth to metabolism, and adrenal glands, which produce the stress hormone cortisol.
Plus, endocrinologists treat conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and even osteoporosis. “We also help people figure out the causes of increased weight and help them lose weight and improve their metabolism,” says Kazlauskaite, who’s the director of the diabetes technology program at Rush University Medical Center. In other words: Endocrinologists encounter a wide variety of symptoms all day, every day. Here are some surprising ones that concern them the most, even though
patients don’t usually recognize that they might signal a problem.
A RACING HEART
When people notice their heart is racing, they often make an appointment with a cardiologist. But sometimes, they need an endocrinologist to get to the root cause—because it’s one of the most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism, says Dr. Rachel Pessah-Pollack, a clinical associate professor in the division of endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at NYU School of Medicine. “They’ll say they were having palpitations, they were feeling winded, and they looked at their Apple Watch, and their heart rate was up,” she says. (Anything over 100 beats per minute, for a few days in a row, is generally considered elevated.)
Fortunately, if it turns out to be an overactive thyroid, there are a variety of treatment options, Pessah-Pollack reassures her patients. Depending on what’s causing it—Graves disease or noncancerous growths, for example— that might mean medication or surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. Sometimes, very little treatment is needed: In recent years, endocrinologists have reported a COVID-19-related increase in
thyroiditis, or inflammation that can cause hyperthyroidism. “The key with that diagnosis is that it actually often resolves on its own,” Pessah-Pollack says. “No treatment needed, other than a heart-rate medication.”
ITCHINESS AND REDNESS IN THE GROIN AREA, ALONG WITH INCREASED THIRST
Young people, in particular, often show up at the hospital or in their primary care doctor’s office complaining about a rash in their groin area. They assume they have a sexually transmitted infection, Kazlauskaite says—but as it turns out, the rash was preceded or accompanied by increased thirst and hunger, and they actually have a yeast infection caused by newly developed diabetes. “It’s an unfortunate symptom,” she acknowledges. “But people need to know so they can get treated.” Yeast feeds off sugar, Kazlauskaite explains, which is why infections are often triggered by out-ofcontrol blood sugar levels. In addition to figuring out the best way to treat a patient’s diabetes, doctors will typically treat the yeast infection with an antibiotic or over-the-counter antifungal cream.
A HUMP BETWEEN YOUR SHOULDERS
Having too much cortisol can cause Cushing syndrome, which is most common in women and affects about 10 to 15 million people per year. The condition leads to rapid weight gain— but the extra pounds don’t always show up in the stomach. Instead, some people gain weight in their face (which is called “moon face”) or develop a “buffalo hump” on their neck, in between their shoulders. “It occurs when the body is putting out too much cortisol for a long time,” Pessah-Pollack says. “Normally, cortisol helps our body function. But if you have too much, you get classic findings on the body.” In addition to a hump between the shoulders, you might also notice you have dark pink or purple stretch marks on your stomach, thighs, or breasts, and that while your upper body is larger, your arms and legs are quite thin.
FEELING TOO HOT OR COLD
Abrupt changes in a person’s temperature can signal that something is going on with their thyroid. Pessah-Pollack’s patients, for instance, often complain about sweating profusely and feeling hot all the time—yet they used to be the kind of people who never left home without a sweater. “It’s another sign that people sometimes ignore,” she says. “They just think, ‘Oh, I guess I’m changing. I’m just warm now.’” In reality, it could indicate hyperthyroidism, especially when paired with other symptoms.
THINNING EYEBROWS
Another classic sign of hypothyroidism is losing the outer third of your eyebrows, which is sometimes called “Queen Anne’s sign” in reference to an ancient portrait. “I had a patient who had thin eyebrows, and one side was just gone,” recalls Dr. Libu Varughese, an endocrinologist with Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston. Fortunately, thyroid-related hair loss is typically temporary, and with treatment, most people see their hair return to its baseline. Though truncated eyebrows might be aesthetically annoying, the diagnosis is nothing to stress about, he adds: “We have so many people on thyroid hormone replacement therapy.”
BREAST DISCHARGE WITHOUT HAVING A BABY
Sometimes, people who aren’t pregnant or postpartum start discharging breast milk—and while it’s most common among women, it can happen to men, too. “Women get scared, like, ‘Oh my God, I might have breast cancer,’” Kazlauskaite says. While it’s important to rule cancer out, this unusual symptom could also point to a prolactin-secreting benign tumor that lives in the pituitary gland—especially if paired with irregular menstrual periods. “Definitely see an endocrinologist,” she urges. There’s a range of treatments that can help reduce the prolactin and stop the milky discharge, including medication and surgery, and patients typically make a full recovery.
ENLARGED HANDS AND FEET AND WIDENING GAPS BETWEEN THE TEETH
One of the conditions Samson treats is acromegaly, a rare hormonal disorder that occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone. It causes bones and tissues to gradually grow in unusual ways: “These patients can actually have growth of their hands and feet, and changes in their facial features,” she says. People with the condition might notice their shoe size has gotten larger, for example, or that their rings no longer fit on their fingers.
Dental issues are also common. That could mean bite changes, tooth separation, an enlarged tongue, or a jaw that grows disproportionately. In fact, dentists are sometimes the first people to raise the alarm about acromegaly and refer their patients to endocrinologists. If it turns out someone does have the condition, they’ll often undergo surgery to remove their tumor; there are also therapies designed to lower growth hormone levels back to the normal range. “Some of the things don’t reverse—if bones have grown, they’re going to continue to have those changes,” Samson says. “But we do see improvement in some of the features because of the decrease in growth hormone. We know that if we normalize their growth hormone, then we normalize their mortality, and that’s really important to us as endocrinologists.”
YOUR UPGRADE IS HERE Sports Hospitality Kicks It Up a Notch
$62,000 for the Super Bowl. $1 Million for Formula 1. How much would you pay for a sporting event? Private and customizable “ultraluxe” packages are increasingly in demand. Here’s what (a lot of) money can buy at upcoming events.
LUXURY PACKAGES FOR EVENTS LIKE THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION, THE OLYMPIC GAMES AND THE SUPER BOWL ARE NOTHING NEW, BUT IN RECENT YEARS, INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS HAVE NOTICED A RISE IN “ULTRALUXE” TRAVEL — VERY EXPENSIVE, PRIVATE AND CUSTOMIZABLE V.V.I.P. TRAVEL AND EVENT SERVICES.
Take the Fairmont’s $350,000 package in Washington for the recent inauguration, a four-night deal that included roundtrip flights for four people (and pets) from any location in the United States, a $25,000 Saks Fifth Avenue shopping spree and customized cocktails.
The price for sports packages doesn’t have to soar so high, according to Virtuoso, a network of luxury and travel agencies, which said typical pricing for such events range from $10,000 to more than $50,000.
“The consensus,” said Misty Belles,
BY SOPHIE STUBER/SPECIAL
Virtuoso’s vice president of global public relations, “is that packages for big events like the Super Bowl and F1 sell out completely.”
If you can swing five to six figures for a single experience, here’s some travel and event packages that might appeal.
THE SUPER BOWL
For the Super Bowl on Feb. 9 in New Orleans, the luxury hospitality and ticketing agency On Location sells packages that start at $7,050 per person and include a pregame party, open bar and a ticket to a private concert with Ludacris.
A pricier offering, for $62,000, has an “all inclusive” option with seats on the 50yard line, entry to a V.I.P. club, concierge services and a hotel stay.
Roadtrips, a luxury sports travel group, also has Super Bowl packages, from $11,895 to $15,985 per person, which include game tickets, transportation during the weekend and a “V.I.P. Tailgate Party” where N.F.L. players make an appearance and the food is made by a celebrity chef.
FORMULA 1 RACES
The Formula 1 racecar season kicks off in Melbourne, Australia, and F1 Experiences, the official travel partner for F1, offers event packages for each of the 24 Grand Prix races around the world.
While Melbourne packages are sold out, tickets for the Miami Grand Prix in early May, which include a four-night hotel stay and access to the Paddock Club — F1’s “luxury” service for V.I.P. guests and team sponsors with dining and prime race views — start at $20,494 per person
(or $37,788 for a couple).
The GR8 Experience luxury tour operator has packages for the F1 Monaco later in May that start at $12,650 per person for a three-day yacht tour, from where people can watch the race and enjoy chef-prepared meals and appearances from former F1 drivers.
Dislike boats? Lilly’s Club, a nightclub that only operates during the F1 event, has table packages that go for up to $1 million, with caviar, bottle service and Grand Prix viewing from V.I.P. suites. The deal also includes a week of accommodation in a villa in Monaco, a private chef and round-trip private jet transfers.
OLYMPIC GAMES
On Location is the hospitality partner for the next two Olympic Games — Milano Cortina 2026 in Milan, Italy, and LA 2028 in California — and receives a portion of event tickets to sell to clients.
Milan Cortina’s “official hospitality
packages” require accommodations, and advertise hotel rates between 820 to 957 euros ($854 to $997) with a two-night minimum on top of event tickets. The least expensive event tickets currently available are €260 each for ski mountaineering events, and the most expensive are €3,750 for women’s free ice skating. Tickets for the opening ceremony start at €7,750 and those for the closing ceremony at €10,000. Access to the hospitality lounge, priority access into the ceremony and a food buffet are included.
Roadtrips, which also specializes in luxury sports packages, currently has one hotel package listed for the Winter Olympics in Milan — starting at $9,975 for a six-night stay in a five-star hotel, and includes gifts and a personalized itinerary.
Closer to the event, On Location will create custom packages. For the Paris Olympics, some clients spent millions.
“Our top buyers are getting premium hotels, custom transportation,” said Paul
Caine, president of On Location, of the Olympics last summer. “They’re often meeting and greeting different people around the sport.”
CUSTOMIZED PACKAGES
When travelers are paying thousands of dollars (or millions in some cases) for event packages, sometimes they prefer a fully customized option.
For the Kentucky Derby in May, the luxury travel agency Travellustre is creating a $1.2 million birthday trip for a client and 25 of their friends and family members. The package includes custom-made derby hats and dining at Millionaires Row, a restaurant at the Churchill Downs racetrack.
“That event itself is just up over $1.2 million. We haven’t even done the
private charter,” said Kristin Chambers, Travellustre’s chief executive. “You’re getting a very custom, insider experience at these events, versus a hotel, transport or ticket package.”
Feeling Scatterbrained?
FIVE WAYS TO FOCUS YOUR ATTENTION
HAVING TROUBLE CONCENTRATING ON TASKS OR GETTING THINGS DONE?
We get it. Life is a juggling act — and it can be hard to carve out time and attention to finally start that creative side hustle, clean out the garage or keep writing that screenplay.
Here are five helpful ways to improve your focus, from eliminating time-sucking distractions to purposefully letting your mind wander, so you can reach the finish line.
1. TAKE A DEEP BREATH
Stress can cloud our ability to focus, says Arryn Robbins, a cognitive psychologist at the University of Richmond who specializes in visual search.
Think of your attention like a spotlight, she says. You can increase the size of the beam or shrink it down.
When you’re stressed, your attention narrows, Robbins says. It almost feels like tunnel vision. “The fight-or-flight response kicks into gear, your heart beats a little faster, and you might get a little sweaty because you’re anxious.”
So if something requires your full attention, “take a breath and calm your body down,” she says. “It really is your body’s response to that stress that’s causing that restriction in attention.”
2. ALLOW YOUR MIND TO WANDER
If you are finding it hard to focus, take a break and allow your mind to wander into what’s called the default mode net-
work, says Dr. Srini Pillay, a psychiatrist and the author of Tinker Dabble Doodle Try: Unlock the Power of the Unfocused Mind.
This network of brain circuitry is where magic happens, Pillay says. It’s the place where our minds find innovation and creativity and often make better decisions than the focused mind.
Get yourself there with something called positive constructive daydreaming, he says. Try traveling with your mind to someplace enjoyable — maybe it’s a stroll through an imaginary forest or sunbathing on a warm, sandy beach.
Pair your daydreaming with some form of low-key activity such as walking, knitting or gardening. Release your mind for about 20 minutes of this fun and watch what happens.
BY MALAKA GHARIB/SPECIAL TO POLO LIFESTYLES
Feeling Scatterbrained?
3. ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS
If you often find yourself wasting time on social media, and it’s making you feel stressed and guilty, set some boundaries, says Sammy Nickalls, author of Log Off: Self-Help for the Extremely Online.
Try turning off push notifications and deleting social media apps from your phone to create natural obstacles to accessing them. If that’s not enough, use screen timers or app blockers to make it even tougher to log back on.
4. GET AN ACCOUNTABILI ty BUDDY
If you’re struggling to read more or start an exercise routine, you might benefit
from an accountability partner — someone who can help you reach your goals.
Research has shown that people accomplish more when they buddy up. A 2015 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that couples were more likely to make healthy behavioral changes, such as working out more or cutting back on smoking, if their partner adopted healthy changes too.
5.
REMEMBER, YOUR TIME IS PRECIOUS
Think about all the people and things you consider most important — your friends, your interests, your hobbies. Then think about who and what you actually spend your time on.
Are the lists the same? Are you using up all your brainpower at the office and checking out as soon as you get home to the kids? Do you keep putting off learning to play that new song because social media won’t stop calling you?
“If you’re just giving away the only precious thing you have, which is the time of your life,” make sure you spend it wisely, says Oliver Burkeman, author of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals.
A TINY, TEMPORARY DISSOLVING PACEMAKER
THIS TEMPORARY PACEMAKER, SMALLER THAN A GRAIN OF RICE, COULD REGULATE THE HEART LESS INVASIVELY
TEMPORARY PACEMAKERS CAN BE USED AS A STOPGAP MEASURE TO REGULATE THE HEARTBEAT AFTER SURGERY AND IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.
But the fact that they need to be surgically installed and removed also brings risk: moon walker Neil Armstrong famously developed fatal bleeding when surgeons removed his temporary pacemaker’s wires in 2012. Now researchers have developed a tiny temporary pacemaker that could eliminate some of that risk. Their device, just a few millimeters long, has no wires and needs minimally invasive placement. It can be injected into the body with a needle. And when its work is done, it simply dissolves.
Conventionally, temporary pacemakers comprise electrodes that are implanted in the heart muscle. These electrodes are connected to an external battery that delivers a pulse to control the heart’s rhythm and correct slow or irregular heartbeats. The new, less invasive pacemaker, which could be particularly useful in a newborn baby’s tiny heart, “consists of two electrodes—conducting metal pads—that are designed to do two things,” says Northwestern University biomedical engineer John A. Rogers, one of the co-authors of an April 2 paper in Nature that describes the device. “One is that they inject current into the cardiac tissue to stimulate contractions that lead to an overall cardiac cycle.... [The other is that they] provide a power source for
driving the operation of the pacemaker.”
The mini pacemaker device does not have a separate battery. Instead, its body functions as a simple type of battery called a galvanic cell—the two electrodes, made of different combinations of magnesium, zinc and molybdenum, react with the naturally occurring electrolytes in bodily fluids to produce an electric current.
On the side opposite of the electrodes lies a tiny light-activated switch that controls the battery’s operation. In the “on” position, an electrical pulse is delivered to the cardiac tissue; in its “off” state, nothing happens. The pacemaker is paired with a soft, flexible skin patch above the heart that monitors heart rate. When it senses an irregular or slow heartbeat, it flashes a light on and off to dictate the correct pacing. The pacemaker responds to near-infrared light—wavelengths that can penetrate deeply into biological tissues.
When the pacemaker’s job is done, it simply dissolves into the body. The device has a finite operating time of between a few days and about three weeks, Rogers says, depending on the choice of metals for the electrodes.
The current study is an advance on an earlier dissolvable pacemaker by the same team. The previous iteration used a technology called near-field communication instead of a galvanic cell; it ran on power beamed to an antenna, which made it much bigger. The extreme miniaturization is one of the advances in the new model, Rogers says. “What follows
from that is that we can use multiple of these millimeter-scale pacemakers simultaneously at different locations of the heart [with the devices] operating in different wavelengths.”
The researchers are also looking at the possibility of integrating the devices with medical implants, such as replacement heart valves, that currently don’t have any kind of cardiac control mechanisms.
Thanh Nho Do, a biomedical engineer at the University of New South Wales in Australia, who wasn’t involved with the study, calls this pacemaker a breakthrough in miniaturization. It gives reliable and sustained pacing without external energy inputs, he says, and could significantly reduce procedural risks and patient discomfort.
Virginia Tech researcher Xiaoting Jia, who was also not involved in the project, says it has great potential for practical use in humans. “The team has performed comprehensive tests in animal models and in ex vivo settings [experiments outside the body]. The next important step would be to thoroughly evaluate the safety for application in humans and obtain [Food and Drug Administration] approvals for clinical use.” The researchers are working toward this via a new start-up company.
One key challenge, Do adds, is selecting suitable materials to balance functionality and safe degradation without triggering excessive immune reactions such as inflammation.
S10 SMALL THINGS THAT NEUROLOGISTS WISH YOU'D DO FOR YOUR BRAIN
MALL TWEAKS TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE CAN GO A LONG WAY TOWARD PROTECTING YOUR BODY’S CONTROL CENTER AND PREVENTING COGNITIVE DECLINE DOWN THE ROAD.
In fact, scientists believe that as many as 45 percent of dementia cases could be delayed or prevented with help from some simple, sometimes surprising, changes in behavior.
It’s never too early or too late to start, but time is of the essence when it comes to building your brain’s defenses, especially since it’s generally impossible to reverse brain damage once it’s happened, said Dr. Eva Feldman, a professor of neurology at the University of Michigan’s Neuroscience Institute.
1. WEAR A HELMET.
Physically protecting your head is the single most important step you can take to safeguard your brain, experts said. Recurrent head trauma from traumatic brain injuries and concussions can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (C.T.E.), which can worsen cognition overall, and in some cases cause dementia.
Wearing a helmet during activities like biking and skiing can significantly reduce the risk of injury, Dr. Feldman said. Motorcyclists should also always wear helmets, even if state laws don’t require them.
2. PUT IN EARPLUGS WHEN YOU’RE MOWING THE LAWN.
Older people with hearing loss have a
greater risk for developing dementia. Scientists think it may be because the part of the brain that processes hearing is close to the part responsible for memory, or it could be a result of atrophy; people who have hearing loss tend to withdraw from social activities that could keep their minds engaged.
To protect your brain’s ability to process sensory signals, use earplugs or noise-protection earmuffs when you’re around loud sounds, said Dr. Elizabeth Bevins, a neurologist at UC San Diego Health. In addition, people over 50, and anyone frequently exposed to loud noises, should get a hearing test every one to three years, she said.
When it’s time to get hearing aids, don’t hesitate. Even if you’re only losing hearing in one ear, the change can significantly impact your ability to interact with the
world, said Dr. Shlee Song, a neurologist at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.
And don’t just put them in when you go out, Dr. Bevins added. Wear them when you’re alone, too, as it’s “important for the brain to receive auditory stimulation from even ambient noise.”
3. GET YOUR EYES CHECKED.
It’s not only about maintaining your hearing; scientists also believe vision loss is linked to cognitive decline. One 2023 study found that about a third of adults over 71 who had moderate to severe vision impairment also had dementia. Scheduling regular eye exams (every few years in adulthood, depending on your age and overall health) and wearing glasses or getting corrective surgery, when needed, could help minimize that risk.
“We have this saying in brain health” that is especially true for retirees, Dr. Song said: “Use it or lose it.” The brain is better at making connections, and processing input, for the senses that it actively uses, she said.
4. TAKE A WALK, AND SWAP YOUR CHAIR FOR A STOOL.
Neurologists know that exercise benefits the brain by increasing blood flow and ferrying oxygen to it. Even a small dose of daily exercise — like walking half a mile — can bring those rewards, said Dr. Cyrus Raji, an associate professor of radiology at Washington University School of Medicine.
Minimizing the amount of time you spend sitting or being inactive can also deliver some of those benefits, said Dr. Kevin Bickart, an assistant professor of behavioral and sports neurology at the University of California, Los Angeles. Standing up or walking around every 20 minutes or so can help; so can using a seat that forces you to engage your core. “Minimize fully supported seats,” Dr. Bickart said. “Use stools, boxes, benches or the floor when possible.”
5. MANAGE YOUR CHOLESTEROL.
The low-density lipoprotein (or “bad”) cholesterol that can come from consuming red meats, full-fat dairy and sugary drinks can harden your arteries, restricting blood flow to the brain and increasing your risk for stroke and cognitive decline, said Dr. Fernando Testai, a professor of vascular neurology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.
Eating legumes, whole grains and fruits and vegetables can help you manage cholesterol levels. So can maintaining a healthy weight, regular aerobic exercise and medications like statins, Dr. Testai said. Check your levels every few years, or more frequently if you have diabetes or an elevated risk of stroke or heart disease, he said.
6. FLOSS EVERY DAY.
Oral hygiene is essential for preventing infections and gum disease. Oral infections can spread to the sinuses, which can then trigger a clot or drainage problems in the brain, Dr. Song said. Research has also found a link between gum disease and dementia.
Regularly flossing and brushing your teeth and visiting the dentist at least every year (or twice a year) can keep your teeth and gums healthy, she said, which can help avert an infection that could lead to future issues.
7. JOIN A BOOK CLUB.
Maintaining an active social life keeps the negative health effects of isolation — such as depression, or even early mortality — at bay, said Dr. Jessica Choi, a neurologist at Cedars-Sinai. Dr. Choi said that her patients who have a strong social support system are typically in better overall health than the ones who don’t. “Not having that can lead to depressive episodes,” which are tied to cognitive decline in older patients, she said. Book clubs or gardening groups can do the trick, but “even a scheduled monthly dinner with a close friend or family members makes a big difference for patients,” Dr. Choi said.
8. WEAR A MASK ON SMOGGY
OR SMOKY DAYS.
There’s growing research linking air pollution exposure to cognitive decline; scientists think very fine, inhalable particles in the air could trigger chemical changes once they reach the brain, said Deborah Cory-Slechta, a neuroscientist in the department of environmental medicine at University of Rochester Medical Center. Not all harmful particles can be avoided — some are so small that they slip through air filters — but wearing an N95 or surgical mask and using indoor air filters on days when air quality is worse (including because of wildfire smoke) can minimize your exposure, she said.
9. WATCH YOUR NECK.
Your neck supplies blood to your brain, and neck injuries can restrict that blood flow, starving the brain of oxygen, or even causing clots. Dr. Song said she often sees patients with neck twists from car accidents, bad massages or chiropractic visits.
To protect your neck from injury, “avoid any sudden twist or pulling adjustments,” she said. “I’d avoid massage guns or ‘deep tissue’ massage when it comes to the neck. Stick with the upper back and shoulders.” Wearing a seatbelt in the car is also crucial. Visit a doctor promptly if you suspect you have a neck injury, she said.
10. SLEEP WELL.
Finding ways to improve your time spent sleeping, and the quality of that sleep, can go a long way toward helping you stay sharp and fend off dementia, Dr. Feldman said.
If you work night shifts and sleep during the day, consider blackout shades to help regulate your body’s circadian rhythm, she said. If anxiety and depression are keeping you up, try meditating before bed, she added. If you aren’t sure where your sleep problems lie, keep a sleep diary to help identify potential issues.
“A rested mind” is crucial for brain health, “as sleep helps consolidate memo-
The Best Watches of 2025
FROM UNDENIABLE LUXURY PIECES TO RED-HOT INDIE SEQUELS
MAYBE IT’S JUST RECENCY BIAS OR SHORT-TERM MEMORY LOSS, BUT I FEEL LIKE WE’VE GOTTEN MORE NEW WATCH RELEASES IN Q1 THIS YEAR THAN WE DID IN 2024. THIS IS A GREAT THING, TO BE CLEAR: I’M THRILLED TO SEE BRANDS PUTTING OUT SO MUCH GREAT STUFF WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE WATCH INDUSTRY. SO BEFORE WE GET
TO THAT MASSIVE FEAST, I WANTED TO SLOW DOWN AND TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE VERY BEST WATCHES TO RELEASE IN 2025 SO FAR.
ANORDAIN MODEL 2 PORCELAIN
I can’t get over this piece from AnOrdain. For my money, the adventurous Scottish brand makes the most interesting dials in the industry. I’ve been infatuated with the brand’s Model 1s, complete with iridescent fume dials, from the moment I saw them years ago. This month, AnOrdain
announced a watch with another distinctive face—this time made from porcelain. In 2021, the watchmaker’s craftspeople visited the city of Limoges, known for the fired arts—an incredibly-named category that includes enameling, which is used
BY CAM WOLF/SPECIAL TO POLO LIFESTYLES
often in watchmaking, as well as pottery, earthenware, and porcelain. They picked up the latter art form and are now using it to produce more timepieces (porcelain dials can be produced in small batches, while enameling requires a single steady hand to create each individual piece). The resulting $2,428 watches are no less special. AnOrdain used this elegant technique to make the most beautiful field watch in existence. The Arabic numerals and case are extremely simple, while the rich black porcelain dial is beautifully contrasted by the creamy hour markers.
LOUIS VUITTON TAMBOUR CONVERGENCE
Headed into LVMH Watch Week—a fair showcasing releases from industry stalwarts like TAG Heuer, Zenith, and Hublot—no one would have expected Louis Vuitton to emerge as the most talked-about brand. But the luxury house’s pieces, like the Tambour Taiko Spin Time, stole the show. My personal favorite was the Drag Hour Tambour, which saw LV’s tentpole watch remade with a smooth golden shell and the delightful “jump hour” complication (which refers to the window at 12 o’clock where the hour springs into the correct position). Smart collectors like Mark Cho picked this one up immediately.
BVLGARI X MB&F SERPENTI
The (craven) people who write books for toddlers know exactly what they’re doing. Thanks to their devious pandering, I’ve been forced to buy my son countless books that combine dinosaurs with construction vehicles—more than any human should even have to know exist. With their new collaborative Serpenti, MB&F and Bvlgari are following that exact recipe. The watch combines the latter’s serpentine shape with MB&F’s love of science fiction, making good on the long-promised prophecy that one day there would be a Serpenti tailor-made for dudes. Who knew it would look so much like a souped-up member of a Star Wars fleet?
CHRONOMASTER SPORT RAINBOW
The humble Zenith Chronomaster, one of the most historic and important chronographs in the industry, got a major makeover this year. While the model has long boasted impressive technical specs and historic contributions to the industry (Zenith introduced it as the first automatic chronograph in 1969), the brand has endeavored to make it look and feel genuinely luxurious over the past couple of years. In January, Zenith introduced a version with a full rainbow of gems around
the bezel. This isn’t a one-off, either: Earlier this year, Zenith’s chief product officer Romain Marietta told me that the brand plans to shift more towards these higher-end pieces, alongside an expanded customization program for very important clients.
VACHERON CONSTANTIN 222 IN STEEL
Ever since the release of VC’s sexy and sporty 222 in gold three years ago, collectors have been anticipating that the model would return in steel next. And sometimes, you have to give the people what they want. While several of its fellow ’70s-era luxury-sport watches, like the Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet Royal, went on to become industry icons, the 222 was discontinued after just a few years—a case of the right watch at the wrong time. Watch lovers, however, never forgot the 222’s contribution to the genre—and it gained even more juice when Brad Pitt was spotted in a vintage steel version a couple of years ago. Now, the watch is back and hardly changed from the OG that debuted in 1977, a testament to its timeless good looks.
TOLEDANO & CHAN B/1.2
The sequel from my favorite newcomer of 2024 did not disappoint. The B/1.2 leans into everything that made upstart Toledano & Chan’s first watch so special. This new iteration just finds more angles to bend and distort, creating a watch unlike anything else on the market. In one-offs created for auctions, the brand has experimented with exotic materials for its dials, and that paid off in a big way here: The new B/1.2 features a luscious mother-of-pearl face.
AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK PERPETUAL CALENDAR
AP released a host of new Royal Oaks to celebrate the storied maker’s 150th anniversary. The most important update on these latest editions comes on the inside of the watches: The perpetual calendar function—which will accurately display the correct day, date, and month until the year 2100—typically requires a stylus and technical booklet to set. However, the new pieces use a brand-new system that works entirely through the crown, as easy to use as winding the time on any other watch. That’s a hugely important innovation for people who actually own and wear these watches. Those with small-bag syndrome like myself, however, might be more excited about some of the aesthetic tweaks. For instance, I still can’t get over how Audemars Piguet’s signature was swapped in for the brand’s traditional logo on just 150 special-edition pieces. This special type was taken directly from historical documents in AP’s archives.
THE JOY (& ANXIETY) OF SLEEPING ON $2,000 SHEETS
BY JACKIE REEVE/SPECIAL TO POLO LIFESTYLES
AS A PROFESSIONAL SHEET TESTER, I’VE TRIED DOZENS OF REASONABLY AFFORDABLE SETS FOR OUR GUIDES TO COTTON, LINEN, AND FLANNEL SHEETS. BUT WHAT IF COST IS TRULY NO OBJECT? DO YOU ACTUALLY GET THAT MUCH MORE FOR THE MONEY?
To find out, back in 2018 I called in three of the highest-end sets I could find and put them through my full battery of testing: Frette’s Doppio Ajour (now around $1,350 for a queen set), Sferra’s Giotto (now around $1,200 for a queen set), and Sferra’s Giza 45 Sateen (now around $2,300 for a queen set).
Frette, founded in 1860, and Sferra, founded in 1891, are heritage brands pretty much synonymous with luxury whose sheets are often in high-end hotels and used by presidents, popes and royalty. Still, I was skeptical that any sheet was worth such a scary sum.
How expensive sheets feel to sleep in
To put them to the test, I compared each high-end set with the upgrade cotton sheets we already recommend, the Cuddledown 400 Thread Count Sateen, which retail for around $200 for a queen set. I tested all of the luxury sets in sateen—it’s softer and more luxurious
than percale so it seemed appropriate for this price bracket. All of the sheets I tried were beautifully made, with lovely details. But though the Frette Doppio Ajour and Sferra Giotto sets cost about six times as much as our upgrade sheet pick, they don’t feel five times better. The Giza 45, however, is absolutely 10 times better.
The Giza 45 sheets were splendid; clearly softer, thinner, and more supple than the others. They felt like silk. I couldn’t stop touching them, running my bare feet over them, and wiggling around on them. Sleep is already one of my favorite activities, and miraculously, a big part of my job, and these sheets made it even more joyous.
Comparing the more affordable cotton sets Wirecutter recommends with any of the three high-end sets I tried is like asking if you should buy a Honda or a Ferrari. Do you need a well-made, reliable car that’s comfortable, low maintenance, and long-lasting? Or do you want to invest in something impeccably engineered, a thrill to experience, but fussy and impractical? Owning luxury goods comes with pressure to maintain them. Family snuggles in bed were now interrupted by thoughts like, “How dirty is the dog?” and “Has my kid washed her hands recently?”
Why are luxury sheets so expensive?
Part of what made the Sferra Giza 45 rise above the other two luxe sets I tried is the
quality of the cotton. Giza 45 is possibly the most exquisite cotton fabric currently being produced. It’s the highest-grade variety of Egyptian extra-long-staple cotton, known for its exceptional strength and softness. It’s rare and expensive, and is traditionally reserved for the finest men’s shirting; Sferra was the first company to use it for bed linens.
What makes Giza 45 so rare is the fineness of the material, in a literal sense. A strand of silk—the finest of all natural fibers used in textiles—is 1 denier (a measure of a fiber’s thickness and weight), and sheer tights can be as low as 5 denier. The Giza 45 set’s denier is about 1.05 (we calculated this based on the micronaire measurement that Sferra provided). The resulting sheets are almost impossibly thin and wispy, something I would normally flag as a sign they’ll wear out quickly, but I didn’t have that concern here because of their superlative material quality and craftsmanship. After years of continued testing I can say with confidence that these sheets are just as durable as any others we recommend.
Most sheets have finishes to make them feel smoother out of the packaging, which is why we recommend washing your sheets before you judge their natural feel. For example, the Cuddledown sheets are mercerized, meaning they’re treated with sodium hydroxide to soften them, prevent wrinkles, and limit shrinkage. Frette and Sferra told us in 2018 that they
don’t use any chemical finishes in the final stages of production; the cotton is so fine and densely woven that it doesn’t need to rely on artificial finishes. Instead Frette (and, I suspect, Sferra, although I couldn’t confirm) calender the sheets—a process of feeding them through hot rollers to get them thin, flat, and very, very shiny. It’s like ironing turned up to 11. (Although, like ironing, the super-flat finish doesn’t last through a wash). All three sets were silky-soft, and my hands glided smoothly over the fabric during testing.
All of the luxury sheets had crisp, mitered corners, precise tiny stitches, and open, lacy detailing that would easily show any mistakes. But with these sheets, there were none. The width of the seams on the Sferra Giza 45 and Frette flat sheets were exactly the same all the way around. (I checked.) Cuddledown’s seams were wider, puckered, and, though the stitches looked fine, when measured, they weren’t an even width. That means that the luxury sheets’ fabric was cut precisely and then stitched perfectly. Not just perfect to the naked eye, perfect to the millimeter. I’ve been sewing for more than 20 years, and I can’t do that.
This level of construction takes a lot of sewing skill and great quality control. These sheets are not made, they’re tailored. Sferra told us during testing that it has two women whose only job is to hand-cut fabric, and that their team of sewers each specialize in a particular detail—the mitered corners, the hemstitch—so each is the absolute best at their particular task. Frette said that it has exacting specifications for the formulations of each sheet, called a recipe. Many of the company’s artisans make careers sewing linens and, for several, it’s a family skill passed down for generations.
The inconvenience of high-end sheets
The quality and price of the sheets made them very intimidating at first. I didn’t work up the courage to wash them for a few days. Like someone driving a Ferrari for the first time, I was instantly worried I would ruin them. I made my husband wash his hands before touching them. I
moved all pens, toys, children, and pets far out of reach.
When I finally washed them, it highlighted some impracticalities. With the calendering washed away, the sheets looked less pristine and more accessible—they wrinkle just like any other cotton sheets. The Sferra Giotto and Frette Doppio Ajour both wrinkled more than the Cuddledown, possibly because they don’t use anti-wrinkle finishes. The Giza 45 set looked and felt the best out of the dryer.
Both sets of the Sferra sheets can be tumbled dry on low, and therefore washed by everyday mortals, but Frette’s terse care instructions, translated from Italian, are a list of things you shouldn’t do: Don’t bleach, don’t tumble dry, don’t dry clean, and don’t iron on the hottest cotton setting.
It’s charming that the Frette sheets feel designed for an Italian villa with a house staff ready to wash and hang them to dry in the sprawling garden. Frette even offers a white-glove service, which according to its website includes “on-site ironing, bed dressing, and estate staff training.” The whole endeavor felt less charming when I actually had to air-dry them, draped over a shower rod and towel bars in my bathroom. It took a day and a half. My day-to-day life has a devastating lack of sun-drenched villas.
A Frette representative told me that the care instructions may be overly cautious because dryers are somewhat of a rarity in Italy, but that it’s probably fine to tumble dry the sheets on low. But when buying sheets this expensive, I wonder who would feel comfortable defying the care label. Frette linens have been used on the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica and have dressed the beds of more than 500 European royal families. If Frette tells you to do something, you do it.
If you want them to feel as luxe as sheets in this price bracket should, you also must iron or steam them. That’s pretty high maintenance for something you’re going to sleep on (I didn’t do this during testing—I spend a lot of time ironing but I draw the line at my sheets).
Worth the $$$
The “less expensive” luxury sets could be worth the splurge if your sleep priorities are intricate detailing, fine construction, a lack of chemical finishes, and the experience of owning sheets from a heritage brand; just don’t expect them to be more comfortable than a good-quality mid-priced set. They weren’t softer or cozier than the Cuddledown sheets. My husband didn’t even notice right away that I’d changed them. He prefers the Cuddledown sheets, and after watching my constant worry about the luxury sets, he was unimpressed. “I like spending money on things that make my life easier, not harder,” he told me.
But for the best of the best, at a very luxurious price Sferra’s Giza 45 Sateen sheets are superior to every other sheet I’ve tried. Ever. In the years since I first reported this story, these sheets have held up extremely well, and we’ve included them in the notable competition in our guide to cotton sheets. I’ve washed them countless times, and they have been tumbled in the dryer for many hours over the years. They’ve only gotten softer and smoother, worn in enough that the wrinkles of their youth have started to fade as the cotton fibers soften and relax (if only we could all age in reverse like that). They’ve stretched a little over time, which I’m sure could’ve been avoided if I fussed enough to iron them, or even starched them to help keep their shape.
But, after all this time, when the Giza 45 sheets go on the bed, my husband—a luxury sheet skeptic—can immediately tell which sheets they are. He’s endured years of trying different sheets for my job, and most of them are “fine.”
The Sferra sheets have left such a mark on him that he recently sent me a picture while on a work trip of boxes of sheets getting delivered to his nice hotel. He peeked and confirmed that they were all from Sferra. “I could tell as soon as I got in bed that they were great sheets, and then I saw the Sferra boxes and I knew,” he told me. At home, the Giza 45 sheets get a little smile from him every time I put them on our bed, just a hint that something special is happening. That’s what luxury looks like.
TO STOP EATING
BY SHANNEN ZITZ/SPECIAL TO POLO LIFESTYLES
The Worst Foods for You According to Doctors and
Nutritionists
FOR BETTER HEALTH, SKIP THESE FOODS AND DRINKS.
ACCORDING TO THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO), AN UNHEALTHY DIET (LIKE ONE HIGH IN SATURATED FAT AND ADDED SUGAR) IS ONE OF THE “LEADING GLOBAL RISKS TO HEALTH,” INCREASING THE ODDS OF MALNUTRITION AND DISEASE WORLDWIDE. IF YOU’D LIKE TO HEAL YOUR BODY WITH FOOD, A GOOD PLACE TO START IS BY AVOIDING THE MANY FOODS YOU SHOULD NOT EAT FOR A HEALTHY DIET.
But first, what constitutes a “healthy” diet anyway? “A healthy diet is one full of products sold by the pound with lots of fresh produce, fruits, and grains,” says Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D., a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic. “A healthy diet is rich in nuts, good vegetable oils, legumes, and whole grains, with only small amounts of animal products, except for dairy and fish.”
“The mantra I live by is ‘eat to live,’ and I wholeheartedly believe that food is medicine,” explains Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios. “Adhering to a healthy diet for overall health and wellness is extremely important for the prevention of many diseases and maintaining energy to be physically active.”
But this doesn’t mean that you have to cut out certain foods altogether. “This doesn’t mean that you can never enjoy what would be considered unhealthy foods, but understanding portion control when consuming those is key.” A tip? Eat nutrient-dense foods 75% of the time, and fill the remaining 25% of your diet with small portions of the other foods and treats you enjoy, White shares.
Ahead, check out the top foods and ingredients experts suggest limiting or removing from your diet for a healthy and balanced approach to eating.
SODA
The fizzy drink may quench your thirst, but it’s one of the worst drinks for your
overall health, mainly due to its high sugar content. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that those who consume sugary drinks like soda are more likely to experience health issues like obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cavities, and gout.
Soda isn’t the only drink to watch out for though. “A slush or a frozen coffee drink could have 80 grams of sugar or more,” says Dr. Lopez-Jimenez. “That’s 20 teaspoons of sugar in a single drink!” Which of course is fine in moderation, but if you’re drinking beverages loaded with added sugar, it’s worth considering cutting it from your routine.
RAW OR UNDERCOOKED MEAT
For those with cancer or who are immunocompromised, indulging in raw or
undercooked meat (like sushi or a rare hamburger) can be extremely dangerous. “Any raw or uncooked item has an increased risk of containing bacteria and possibly affecting cancer patients who are immunocompromised and more vulnerable to such insults,” says Rahul Bhandari, M.D., a radiation oncologist at Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology.
BREAKFAST CEREALS
Pouring yourself a big bowl of cereal to start each day may not be ideal if you’re concerned about your metabolic health.
“Foods with processed flour include most breakfast cereals, refined grains, breads, crackers, and baked goods,” says Mark Cucuzzella, M.D., a family medicine physician and professor at West Virginia University School of Medicine.
“Processed or refined flour (even those which claim to be whole-grain) have an incredibly high glycemic index which will dramatically raise blood sugar. Over time the constant high and low blood sugar can lead to disordered metabolism and eating patterns that contribute to obesity and insulin resistance.”
PROCESSED MEATS
If you’re a fan of lunch meats, bacon, sausages, or hot dogs, these foods may be doing more harm than good for your heart health.
“Many studies have shown their toll on health and increasing the risk for heart disease,” says Dr. Lopez-Jimenez.
“Many of the substances used in the process to preserve meat have been shown
to increase the risk for cancer, hypertension, and other health conditions.”
ALCOHOL
“In addition to alcohol adding no nutritional value and serving as empty calories for the most part, alcohol greatly affects your metabolism due to it being a toxin that your body prioritizes breaking down over fat,” White explains.
“Alcohol intake slows down oxidation of fat (meaning your body burns less fat while it’s processing the alcohol).” Additionally, a recent study found a negative correlation between alcohol and life expectancy, citing that even just one drink per day can shorten your life by 2.5 months.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) even believes that alcohol should come with cancer warning labels—in fact, the U.S. Surgeon General recently issued an advisory on the causal link between alcohol and increased cancer risk. For cancer patients, avoiding alcohol is crucial to keep the body strong
during treatments. “The goal during cancer treatment is to build and maintain one’s body to best handle the taxing effect of the cancer itself and the treatments administered to fight it,” says Dr. Bhandari. “Alcohol’s role negates these goals and makes it even more difficult for the body and mind to remain balanced and on the uphill road to recovery and strength.”
TRANS FATS
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), artificial trans fats are created when hydrogen is added to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid.
“They have no nutritional value ... Small amounts of trans fats can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease significantly,” says Dr. Lopez-Jimenez. “
They usually come in the form of partially hydrogenated fats and may be present in bakery, microwave popcorn, and other foods. Frying food may convert good oils into trans fats.”
SPORTS DRINKS
While sipping sports drinks may help replenish lost electrolytes, they are often loaded with sugar just like soda and similar sweet beverages.
“Sports drinks contain a large amount of fructose which can only be metabolized by our livers and our livers have no capacity to deal with large amounts of free fructose,” says Dr. Cucuzzella. “Over time this creates a fatty liver, which is at the root of insulin resistance.”
ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
You may be avoiding calories by choosing an artificial sweetener like aspartame or Splenda, but these may mess with your health, too.
“Although these sweeteners have zero calories, they may have the opposite effect on your weight loss goals due to multiple factors including gut health and insulin response,” White explains. “Artificial
sweeteners can potentially alter the gut microbiome which will affect nutrient absorption, metabolism, and regulation of glucose. There are also potential links to cancer but more research is needed as it pertains to humans.”
JUICE
While you may think 100% fruit juice is healthy, it may spike your blood sugar and remove one of the fruit’s greatest benefits: fiber.
“Juicing might not remove vitamins or phytochemicals, but it does remove fiber. That means you’re turning the perfect food into something more like sugary soda in terms of the biochemical effects on our metabolism,” says Dr. Klodas. “Eat the fruit/vegetable, not the juice. Or make a smoothie.”
SUGAR AND HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP
For a 2,000-calorie diet, the CDC recommends that no more than 200 of those calories come from added sugars. Why? “Added sugars in foods and drinks can make it hard for people to get the nutrients they need without getting too many calories,” according to Healthy People 2030 (from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion), which has set an objective to decrease sugar consumption in people over the age of two to avoid health risks such as obesity and tooth decay.
However, sugar isn’t the only sweetener you should enjoy in moderation. High fructose corn syrup is one made from cornstarch is used in many processed foods.
“Experiments have shown that animals fed with high fructose corn syrup can become diabetic,” says Dr. LopezJimenez. “High fructose corn syrup raises the level of sugar faster than even sugarcane. They are present in many sodas, canned drinks, and may be used in cocktails, too.”
REFINED VEGETABLE OILS
Refined vegetable oils are used for repeated frying, and are often used in restaurants.
“These processed oils are damaged during the repeated heating process which can create oxidative stress in the liver and when compared to natural fats such as real butter, olive oil, and fats contained within natural plant and animal products they are the less desirable option,” says Dr. Cucuzzella.
TAKEOUT
Ordering out from your favorite restaurant may be convenient, but your favorite dish may have poor consequences for your health.
“When you purchase readymade food, you have far less control over portion size or how much salt, sugar and fat have been added. This can all mess with your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and waistline,” says Dr. Klodas. “We all have time constraints and need to order out from time to time. Just make this the exception, not the rule.”
PROCESSED WHITE BREAD
Skip the loaf of pre-sliced white bread during your next grocery trip. “There is minimal nutritional value in processed white bread (the
one that comes in packages),” says Dr. Lopez-Jimenez. “They have little or no fiber, and a lot of the nutrients have been taken away by the wheat bleaching process.”
Instead, reach for 100% whole grain or sprouted grain bread with minimal ingredients, Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., nutrition lab director at the Good Housekeeping Institute previously told Prevention. Whole grain bread is a healthier option as it is more nutrient-dense and may even help keep your blood sugar stable, while white bread has the opposite effect.
HIGH-FAT FROZEN MEALS
While healthy meals can be found in the freezer section of your local grocery store, it requires a bit of due diligence on your part to find nutritious options. Before adding
a frozen meal to your cart, we recommend thoroughly checking the nutrition label and scanning for calories, sodium, and fat.
Frozen meals “can be detrimental to your health goals and weight management,” White says, as oftentimes they contain “high sodium and high-fat content with preservatives,” he explains. “These meals are oftentimes not fulfilling while being fairly high in calories as well which can lead to excess calorie intake.”
DONUTS
Baked goods, like donuts in particular, have a “lack of nutritional value and are high in calories while not being fulfilling at all,” White says. “These foods are also high in added sugars and saturated/ trans fats contributing to high blood sugar and cholesterol/ heart issues.”
10SIMPLE WAYS TO KEEP YOUR MIND SHARP
WHILE THERE’S NO SURE-FIRE WAY TO PREVENT OR CURE DEMENTIA, RESEARCH SHOWS THAT YOUR DAILY HABITS CAN PLAY A POWERFUL ROLE IN PROTECTING YOUR BRAIN. FROM STAYING ACTIVE AND EATING WELL TO GETTING QUALITY SLEEP AND FOSTERING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS, SMALL LIFESTYLE CHANGES CAN HELP SLOW COGNITIVE DECLINE AND PROMOTE MENTAL SHARPNESS.
EXERCISE
Exercise offers an impressive array of health benefits. Not only does staying physically active help your brain, but
it also helps lower your risk of these conditions:
• heart disease
• type 2 diabetes
• high blood pressure
• colon cancer
• breast cancer
Exercise also helps relieve insomnia, anxiety, and depression. In addition, it may help ward off cognitive decline and dementia.
Some studies have shown that engaging in a program of regular exercise improves cognitive function in people with memory problems. Exercise may be particularly advantageous for people who carry the APOE4 gene variant, which makes people more susceptible to Alzheimer’s.
A MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE DIET
This eating pattern has long been recognized as promoting better cardiovascular health, lowering the risk of certain cancers, and may protect against cognitive decline. A Mediterranean diet also appears to lower the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment and slow the progression to dementia in people who have the condition.
A Mediterranean diet emphasizes:
• fruits
• vegetables
• whole grains
• beans
• nuts and seeds
• olive oil
• fish, poultry, and dairy products
ALCOHOL
Studies show a link between regular consumption of more than moderate use of alcohol and a 22% higher Alzheimer’s risk compared to nondrinkers. For many years, moderate alcohol use has been defined as having no more than seven drinks per week for women and 14 drinks per week for men.
However, many experts are now questioning whether moderate drinking should mean even lower amounts.
SLEEP
Our bodies rely on a certain amount of regular sleep for a variety of essential functions, many of them in the brain. Studies have shown that people who regularly sleep less than the recommended seven to eight hours a night score lower on tests of mental
function. This may be because learning and memories are consolidated during sleep.
MENTAL STIMULATION
Staying mentally active as you age is important to brain health. One study found that mentally intact people in their 70s and 80s who engaged the most with mentally stimulating activities such as reading, writing, crossword puzzles, playing board or card games, engaging in group discussions, or playing music were half as likely to develop mild cognitive impairment as those who reported the least amount of participation.
SOCIAL CONTACTS
Research shows that people with strong social ties are less likely to experience cognitive declines than those who are alone.
Social activities require you to engage several important mental processes, including attention and memory, which can bolster cognition. Frequent engagement helps strengthen neural networks, slowing normal age-related declines. It may also help strengthen cognitive reserve, which can delay the onset of dementia.
In addition, having a strong network of people who support and care for you can help lower your stress levels. By contrast, depression, which often goes hand in hand with loneliness, correlates to faster cognitive decline.
PACHO OF JAIPUR AT HOME WITH
AT HOME WITH H.H. MAHARAJAH SAWAI PADMANABH SINGH
DESPITE HAVING LIVED IN THE NEARLY 300-YEAR-OLD CITY PALACE FOR MOST OF HIS LIFE, HIS HIGHNESS MAHARAJAH SAWAI
PADMANABH SINGH – FONDLY KNOWN AS PACHO – STILL DISCOVERS HIDDEN GEMS WITHIN THE ROYAL RESIDENCE THAT HE HAS NEVER SEEN BEFORE.
It is these wonders that inspire him to
leverage his considerable influence to support initiatives that aim to preserve Jaipur’s treasures while making the city’s splendors accessible to visitors.
During the recent pandemic lockdown in 2020, when Singh was spending a lot of time at the palace he calls home, he came across a hidden recreational space used by the Queens of the past – a ‘baradari’ that the young King says is both an architectural wonder and an engineering marvel, with a connected water source that supplies the marble pool inset with water, creating the illusion of a natural pool.
“I have the privilege of living in a space that attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year who come to the City Palace in Jaipur to experience the living heritage of our city. Their interaction with the collection on display in the museum here, as well as the people, traditions, and culture we endeavor to preserve, reaffirms this belief. Artists go back from here inspired to create, writers go back with stories to narrate, scholars and architects go back with so much learning, and photographers go back with iconic images that become a part of their creative journey,” he tells us in an exclusive interview.
PACHO OF JAIPUR
This is why the 26-year-old also believes that Indian heritage is a living, breathing phenomenon that is not frozen in time, but constantly evolving and growing through interaction and inspiration.
He says as much in The Leela’s newest campaign called ‘Time Travel with The Leela’, where he walks around the opulent Leela Palace Jaipur, looking every bit the modern Maharajah that he is in sharp suits and slicked-back hair.
In May this year, the Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts welcomed Padmanabh Singh as the newest ‘Icon
of India by The Leela’, recognizing him as one of the nation’s finest citizens. He is in august company – other bearers of the title include sarod virtuosos Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, and acclaimed Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana.
“What resonates with me most about The Leela is its ability to present India’s heritage in a way that is fresh, sophisticated, and appealing to the global traveler. I’ve always believed in the power of preserving our culture while embracing modernity, and this is where my philos-
ophy aligns so naturally with The Leela’s ethos,” he says.
Savvy and modern though he may be, the 26-year-old royal has his feet firmly rooted in Indian heritage. Ask him about the philosophy of a ‘universal language’, considering his love for travel, and he’ll tell you how we are all part of one global community, going on to connect it to the ancient Indian idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. He speaks glowingly about how Rajasthani folk music has transcended the barriers of linguistic and cultural differences and how ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ is that one quintessential
PACHO OF JAIPUR
Indian philosophy that he holds close to his heart.
“It is one that we uphold at the City Palace, and it’s something I’ve also experienced during my visits to The Leela’s properties. At The Leela, much like at the City Palace, there is an exquisite attention to hospitality that goes beyond mere service – it reflects the deep cultural respect for guests as revered individuals. This organic blend of tradition and modern luxury makes the experience not just memorable, but truly extraordinary,” he says.
He speaks highly of Maharajah Sawai Man Singh II and Maharani Gayatri Devi, two icons that have greatly inspired him, and discusses how their visionary thinking, personal style, and philanthropic endeavors positioned them as great ambassadors of India to the world. One can visibly see their influence in the way he lives his life.
Man Singh II transformed Jaipur into the modern traveler’s dream that it is today, turning Rambagh Palace into a luxury hotel and embarking upon a detailed policy of modernization, restructuring parts of the city, and founding civic institutions, leading to Jaipur being selected as the capital of Rajasthan.
The Maharajah, who eventually served as India’s ambassador to Spain, was an avid polo enthusiast, securing the World Cup for India in 1933.
And what does one say about the legendary Maharani Gayatri Devi that
hasn’t been said before? Gayatri Devi was celebrated the world over for her style and unmatched aura. As the Maharani of Jaipur and later in life as a politician, she enjoyed much love and patronage from her legion of fans who were struck by her intellect, panache, and incredible beauty.
Padmanabh Singh and his sister, Gauravi Kumari, have been successful bearers of this legacy. Beautiful, elegant, and well-mannered, the siblings are easily the most popular royals in India, their fame helping cement Jaipur’s status as the city of Royals and a veritable Mecca for art, culture, and those looking for a good time.
Over the past few years, the duo have worked hard to create opportunities like heritage festivals, collaborative events at heritage venues, workshops, and public lectures to create a community of people with a shared love for history, art, and craftsmanship. This is what he considers true luxury – access to great art, exemplary architecture, inspiring history, and experiential culture.
“My only goal with these initiatives is to motivate more people from my generation to take pride in this heritage and join me in helping preserve and promote it. This mission is something I share with The Leela as well. In fact, The Leela Maharajah Sawai Man Singh Polo Cup, which they’ve been hosting in Jaipur for the last two years, is a perfect example of this. The event not only celebrates the sport of polo but also draws attention to India’s rich cultural heritage, bringing people together to honor tradition in a
contemporary setting,” he says.
Then, of course, there’s his annual Holi bash, which is a calendar event for some of the country’s most well-heeled and famous individuals. An event as massive and marvelous as this always attracts intrigue both within the country and outside, establishing Singh as a worthy successor to the world-famous duende of his great-grandmother.
“I think some of my most cherished memories of growing up in Jaipur are of the vibrant festivals we celebrate here with tradition and ceremony. Like the festival of Holi, which is a two-day celebration that includes the Holika Dahan ritual ceremony and the colorful Dhulandi festivities. The city participates in this festival along with the Palace as people gather to await the lighting of the Holika and carry flames from it to ignite the symbolic Holika pyres set up in their homes and neighborhoods. Teej and Gangaur are similar events where the city celebrates together as a community and participates with great enthusiasm in the processions that begin from the City Palace and traverse through the streets of Jaipur,” he says.
Despite the glamorous soirées, intense media coverage, brand deals, and fan-following, Singh’s focus remains clear: to champion and elevate Jaipur’s position as one of the world’s foremost cultural epicenters. It’s a mission that ensures the city’s heritage not only endures but evolves, just as its royal legacy continues to inspire.
FASHION & STYLE
PARIS FASHION WEEK
The Wardrobe for a Storybook Life
A FAIRY-TALE QUALITY CONNECTED MUCH OF THE FASHION AT COUTURE WEEK IN PARIS
Who hasn’t been in a situation where, at first, something may seem innocuous, but the longer you consider it, the more you pause. Broadly speaking, this is how I feel when couture is described as whimsical. Though the term captures the elaborate garments’ fanciful nature, it can suggest that they are not made to be worn. It can also impart a capriciousness to an art form that involves painstaking
construction and hundreds, if not thousands of hours, of work — oftentimes to create a single piece.
But few words were more accurate than “whimsical” to describe the fantastical, storybook looks in and outside of the couture shows in Paris last week. There were feathery coats and adorable balaclavas, corsets and cinched waists, big skirts and waifish silhouettes. Much of the fashion had a youthful air that sometimes made people look a little like living dolls, whether they were walking on a runway or just in the streets.
PFW25
PFW25
REVIEW: BAGS
Handbags have long been the lifeblood of luxury brands—coveted status symbols, investment pieces, and some of the most enduring expressions of a house’s identity. As the industry navigates a shifting economic landscape, accessories remain a crucial category, blending commercial strength with the artistry of high fashion. This season, Milan and Paris delivered a lineup that balanced heritage with innovation, offering fresh interpretations of timeless silhouettes and bold new ways to carry—or not carry—a bag.
Louis Vuitton played with scale and nostalgia, re-imagining the guitar case, while Hermès delivered a masterclass in quiet luxury with its structured Box Bag. Chanel revisited the East-West silhouette, tapping into the wider trend of elongated proportions across collections. Gucci surprised with an unconventional approach to carrying a bag, challenging traditional notions of form and function, while at Zomer, the concept of the “no bag bag” pushed accessory minimalism to an extreme. And, as expected, Tod’s presented a strong, sophisticated lineup—further proof that its craftsmanship remains a benchmark for Italian leather goods.
25 TRENDING SUNGLASSES FOR 2025
From alien-eye lens to barely-there frames and smart AI glasses
SHOES, BAGS, AND COATS ARE ALL WELL AND GOOD, BUT MY REAL ADDICTION? GLASSES. NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER IS LIKE OR WHERE I’M GOING, I ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH AT LEAST TWO PAIRS OF SHADES AND MY PRESCRIPTION GLASSES IN MY BAG—I’VE EVEN BEGUN WEARING TRANSITION SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT, AS THEY ADJUST TO ANY LIGHT AND JUST MAKE EVERY OUTFIT COOLER.
So, naturally, I was overjoyed when I got the opportunity to visit EssilorLuxottica’s factory and headquarters on the outskirts of Milan, Italy, earlier this year.
The Italian-based eyewear company is the largest in the world and commands more than one-quarter of global eyewear sales. It owns major retail stores, including LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, Pearle Vision, Target Optical, and Glasses.com. It also owns and manufactures eyewear brands Ray-Ban, Oliver Peoples, Oakley, and Persol—its crown jewel—and licenses prescription and non-prescription glasses for dozens of luxury brands, including Chanel, Prada, Miu Miu, Tiffany & Co., and Ralph Lauren, to name just a few.
The history of sunglasses is long and wildly interesting. It actually all started with ancient tribes, who cut slits in animal bones to shield their eyes from the sun. Centuries later, in 1929, American entrepreneur Sam Foster started the mass production of commercial sunglasses. (His company, Foster Grant, is now owned by EssilorLuxottica.) The Army Air Corps soon commissioned glasses to help protect pilots’ sight, and
with that, Ray-Ban’s iconic aviators were born. A few years later, in 1961, Luxottica (its name before it merged with French multinational corporation Essilor) was founded in the small but lively Italian town of Agordo by Leonardo Del Vecchio, as a sunglasses manufacturer. The first designer it signed was Giorgio Armani, ushering in a new era of glasses-as-accessories. And from there, the eyewear industry skyrocketed.
Today, glasses are a crucial part of fashion. Most designer brands have special teams who design frames to mirror the aesthetic of their collections, and like with clothes, eyewear trends are ever-changing and reflective of the times. EssilorLuxottica has dominated the eyewear-as-fashion industry for decades, and in this tech-boom era of artificial intelligence, telemedicine, space exploration, and virtual-everything, its next phase is to integrate life-changing technology into its products.
From smart glasses to alien-esque silhouettes, barely-there frames, nostalgic designs, race car-inspired shield lenses, and mixed-media frames, these are the biggest trends in eyewear right now, according to the experts. And I’ll be trying all of them.
ALIEN MEETS FUTURISTIC
I don’t want to give too much attention to Elon Musk’s SpaceX or Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin, but it’s a fact that space is a hot topic right now. You’ve seen the signs in fashion (Balenciaga, Mugler, and McQueen have all released extraterrestrial-esque designs), and you’ve seen the signs in beauty (slicked-back hairdos, bleached brows). So, of course the fad has reached eyewear. It’s all about super-snatched cat eyes that pull up at the sides, wacky, almost metallic lenses, and comically-enormous frames (like those seen in Prada’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection) that resemble fly eyes—or, I suppose, what we think alien eyes look like.
“A futuristic reinterpretation of classic silhouettes, merging sci-fi inspirations with high-fashion sensibilities. Distorted, upswept shapes play with dimension and perspective, pushing eyewear into a new avant-garde space,” says, Matteo Battiston, EssilorLuxottica’s chief design officer.
MIXED MEDIA
Sometimes, more is more. Tapping into maximalism and the ultra-luxe aesthetic, designer brands like Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and Swarovski are debuting glasses with gold chains, colorful crystals, and even interactive pearl embellishments (Chanel has a pair of shades that features rotatable white pearls on the sides, and other models with the house’s signature chain design).
Less flashy brands are playing with mixed media, too. New glasses from Ralph Lauren have sleek metal frames engraved with subtle Western patterns. Persol mixes metal, wood, and plastic in its designs. Miu Miu and Prada are bending and twisting metals for their frames, and others are playing with logo size to make a statement.
BARELY THERE
On the other side of the coin, there are minimalist and nature-inspired designs. Brands are exploring see-through and rose-tinted PVC frames, slender silhouettes, and subtly-colored lenses for both sunglasses and eyeglasses. Prada, Versace, Miu Miu, Swarovski, Armani Exchange, and Tiffany & Co. have become leaders in this space, with some recently debuting glasses featuring slick metal or plastic temples and barely-tinted wireless lenses.
NOSTALGIA
Our craving for the old-school is something we’ve seen across fashion and society as a whole for a few years now. Harper’s Bazaar editor Chelsey Sanchez recently wrote an essay on how the rise of the Oligarchy (a.k.a. the Trump administration) inspired her to drop her screen time and journal again. And on the runways, designers like Miu Miu, Gucci, and Saint Laurent have returned to beloved ’70s, ’90s, and Y2K silhouettes in a pull for comfort, while stylish It girls like Bella Hadid and Sabrina Carpenter have recently been embracing the 1950s Greaser wardrobe.
This same movement has influenced the eyewear industry, where, even though aviators never went away, they are now seeing a major uptick—as are bridges, and cat-eye and browline frames. These often come with vintage-wash or reflective lenses in earthy green or brown tones, with gold, copper, or silver hardware.
SPORTY
Race car driving culture, with all its glamour, danger, and speed, has entered the fashion chat. Puma’s Speedcat is on its second wind, the motorcore jacket has become a wardrobe staple, and sportswear is more integrated into everyday fashion than ever (tenniscore, sneaker
culture—you name it). With eyewear, we’re seeing chrome shield sunglasses and goggles, both chunky and elongated PVC shades, and vibrant, reflective lenses. The pieces are crafted to be ultra-functional for bikers, skiers, runners, and race car drivers, but tap into the street style aesthetic with their designs. A new collection from Oakley even nods to the maximalist music and party culture tied to today’s pro sports scenes—particularly the NFL’s—while Ferrari’s new designs hone in on the F1 scene.
“Traditionally, luxury, lifestyle, and sports have occupied distinct design territories. Today, these worlds are merging, blurring the lines between refinement, everyday ease, and functionality. This convergence reflects a broader shift in societal values where authenticity, versatility, and innovation define modern aesthetics,” Battiston says.
SMART AND FUNCTIONAL
In experts’ minds, we are at a point in terms of eyewear design, where the fashion is there, the practicality is there, and now, we must take things a step further, to re-imagine eyewear influences
by its roots in medical problem solving and functionality, therefore making it an essential part of people’s lives.
EssilorLuxottica’s HQ is divided into sections, many of which are now technology-focused. First, there are the transition glasses, which adapt to the light around the wearer, ensuring that the eyes experience maximum comfort at all times. These can be prescription or not, they come in different lens shades and frame styles, and they can go from completely clear to completely dark in just seconds.
Then, there are the Ray-Ban Meta glasses. These smart glasses have the functionality of a smartphone, an AI assistant, and an eyeglass or shade, all in one. With nothing but your voice, you can ask your glasses to record video and audio, take photos, play music, describe what you’re looking at, and even translate text in different languages in real time. (Ray-Ban and Meta just debuted a limited-edition design with Coperni, which immediately sold out.)
In that same strain is EssilorLuxottica’s newest technology: Nuance Audio. These glasses have advanced hearing technol-
ogy built into the frames. Eyewear really began as a functional solution to a vision problem, and with how technology has developed, why not get them to fix a hearing problem, too? The glasses’ microscopic inside speakers pinpoint sound depending on what the wearer is looking at (so, if you are conversing with someone and looking at them, their voice is amplified). The product is meant to help people with minor hearing problems—13 billion people around the planet have hearing issues, but the majority of them are so slight that the individuals don’t need a serious medical solution—and aims to fight the stigma associated with hearing aid devices.
“Innovation goes beyond aesthetics. Every frame is the result of a delicate balance between craftsmanship and technology, heritage and foresight, scientific research and creative instinct,” Battiston says.
It’s an exciting era for eyewear, and there’s a lot more to come.
MANSION OF THE MONTH
WEISSENHAUS
SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN 23758 GERMANY
185,000,000 EUROS
GERMANY’S MOST EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE COASTAL ESTATE
A MASTERPIECE OF HERITAGE
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of Europe’s most exclusive private estates—Weissenhaus, a fully gated, ultra-private coastal sanctuary spanning 180 acres along the pristine Baltic Sea. With over two miles of private beachfront, this historic noble estate has been meticulously re-imag-
ined into a trophy property, world-class resort, and investment opportunity. The estate features 40 restored historic buildings, 70 exquisite suites, villas, and grand residences, a 27,000 sq. ft. award-winning spa, and four Michelinlevel dining experiences. An exclusive recording studio and event venue com-
plement its limitless potential—whether as a legacy estate, luxury retreat, or visionary business project.
Weissenhaus is a masterpiece of heritage and innovation, offering unmatched privacy, security, and prestige. A rare asset designed for connoisseurs, creators, and global investors.
MANSION OF THE MONTH
MANSION OF THE MONTH
MANSION OF THE MONTH
A ST-BARTH ESCAPE
A $59 million hillside compound on the billionaire’s retreat of St. Barth is set to hit the market as the most expensive property for sale on the Caribbean island.
The nine-bungalow property sits on a remote corner on the island’s northwesternmost tip in the Colombier district. “It’s up in the hills with west-facing sunset views, in a private domain,” said the listing agent Zarek Honneysett at Sibarth Real Estate, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate.
The most expensive home ever sold on St. Barth also happens to be on Colombier beach. That property being a 130-acre estate once owned by David Rockefeller that sold for about $136 million last year, according to The Wall Street Journal. The property made a mark on its area, which is now also known as “Rockefeller Beach.”
At two acres, the sprawling Domaine de Vignette is one of four estates that make up the Les Étoiles gated community. It is the biggest, built across five lots, according to Honneysett. “There are few properties on the island that are this size,” said Honneysett about the island, where space is limited.
The individual bungalows and outdoor areas of the estate spread out over staggered levels, arranged to face the pool at the base of the property. These pockets are connected by teak walkways and blue rock steps, which were sourced locally and “manually carved one by one to fit perfectly together,” according to Remi Tessier, who designed the newly renovated property, in a press release.
Doussié wood from Central Africa and brushed spruce handcrafted in France
cover certain deck areas. Woven carpets and Caribbean decorative art ground the interiors. The outdoor space is filled out by over 70 varieties of tropical plants, including striking Bismark palms and draping bougainvillea.
The entrance opens to a deck with a shaded bar and lounge, and the family room bungalow. Several stone steps lead up to a bungalow containing the primary suite, with buildings containing a restaurant-grade kitchen and dining room.
Down from the entrance level is a secondary bedroom bungalow, with another bedroom bungalow a level below that. Next is the pool, with a separate guest cottage with its own bedroom, kitchen and living space on the other side. The last building in the set of nine is a caretaker’s house.
VILLA MARBELLA
WHERE ARCHITECTURE MEETS LUXURY IN SPAIN
I$9,327,775 USD | | 6 BEDROOMS | 6
BATHROOMS
7,545 SQ FT. | 0.41 ACRE(S)
NTRODUCING A SIGNATURE VILLA DESIGNED BY THE RENOWNED ISMAEL MERIDA, WHERE FASCINATING ARCHITECTURE MEETS UNPARALLELED LUXURY.
Standing out as a masterpiece in The Avenue community, this residence represents the epitome of grandeur and exclusivity. Experience the largest and most prestigious residence in The Avenue, boasting a private garage accessible via
a bespoke connecting tunnel that lends inspiration to its name. Inside, be mesmerized by the fascinating interior design by the legendary Pedro Peña, where every detail exudes opulence and refinement. Entertain guests effortlessly in the villa’s entertainment level, complete with a home gym and expansive living spaces. Step outside to discover a manicured private garden on an ample plot, featuring a private infinity pool and a remarkable solarium offering panoramic views of La Concha and the Mediterranean Sea. Residents also have access to the exceptional commu-
nity amenities, including the state of the art gym with top of the line equipment and a lavish SPA equipped with a hammam, sauna, ice bath and indoor pool The Avenue’s location in the heart of Nueva Andalucia also allows for convenient access to a plethora of amenities, international schools and facilitates road connections to Puerto Banus, the Golden Mile and Malaga City. Embrace a lifestyle of unparalleled luxury in this estate, where every aspect has been meticulously crafted to offer the utmost in comfort and sophistication.
In Search of Solace Polo Lifestyles Vine Finds
Winning Sonoma Reds for Alfresco Summer Dining
WILLIAM SMITH / POLO LIFESTYLES
In Vine Finds, we bring to Polo Lifestyle’s readers select wines that have recently struck a harmonious cord and imminently impressed us. In a world of innumerable wine producers, we seek to cut through the cacophony and curate wines suitable for both everyday enjoyment and for those special occasions.
WILLIAM SMITH @willismith_2000
COPY EDITOR & CONTRIBUTOR
ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS, AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN AS AVV, IS A FAMILY AFFAIR WITH SOME 700 ACRES OF VINES PLANTED ALONG BOTH SIDES OF THE RUSSIAN RIVER JUST NORTH OF HEALDSBURG IN CALIFORNIA’S SONOMA COUNTY.
Founded in 1975 by Hank and Linda Wetzel, their current winemaker, Kevin Hall, joined the team in 1998 and has been at the forefront of establishing AVV as a producer of stellar wines that reflect the terroir of the Alexander Valley and at friendly price points that defy explanation.
ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS 2021 HOMESTEAD RED BLEND avvwine.com
AVV’s Homestead Red Blend is a big, lush and gorgeous wine crafted
from estate-grown varietals of Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.
I stumbled upon the 2019 vintage during an evening meeting with fellow wine friends and several palates – including my own – were piqued as we tasted. More readily available is the 2021 vintage, which we tasted at Polo Lifestyles and though AVV adjusts the percentages of the blend year to year, was similar to the 2019 vintage, albeit a bit superior – in no doubt to 2021 being a near-perfect growing season in Sonoma.
and plums, and just a hint of oak. It’s one of those California red blends that make you deeply grateful for the bounty of the region and for the artistry of the winemaker. And AAV is all certified organic to boot.
You could spend twice the $24 retail price for this wine and end up with something far inferior. So don’t. In fact, at this quality to price ratio, buy a case. This is a red to be enjoyed now. This wine is truly enjoyable on its own, but for the summer, it yearns for a marinated flank steak from the grill and eloté, served off the cob as a salad and slightly chilled.
Merlot and Zin dominate the blend for 2021 with near equal amounts of the other four varietals adding their own unique characteristics. Upon pouring, the color is immediately exciting. Deep, dark purple in the glass, aromas of cherry cola, vanilla, and bold spices hint toward the complex flavors to come on the palate. This is wonderfully zippy and full of spice on the front of the palate with bursting dark berries
Finally, if you’re a Cabernet Franc aficionado like yours truly, AAV is one of the few California producers of a single varietal bottling of Cab Franc - and their 2022 vintage earned a respectable score of 92 from James Suckling.
SEGHESIO 2022 ZINFANDEL
SONOMA COUNTY seghesio.com
I love the Zinfandel grape for the robust and bold wines it can yield in the right hands. Yet, its reputation has languished due to inexpensive bottlings that can’t tame the beast that Zin can
In Search of Solace Polo Lifestyles Vine Finds
be, the dominance of other red varietals in California that cast a long shadow, and the once ubiquitous (and perhaps, infamous) White Zinfandel, which, at the height of its popularity, made up roughly one out of every four bottles of wine sold in the U.S.
Earlier this year, Seghesio Family Vineyard’s 2022 Zinfandel Sonoma County was named Wine Spectator’s 2024 Wine Value of the Year. I don’t mind following that headline, but truly, I had been meaning
for some time to write about Seghesio Family Vineyards, one of the pioneers in the varietal whose dedication survived Prohibition and continues to thrive even after the sale of the storied family-run vineyard to the Crimson Wine Group in 2011.
While winemaker Andy Robinson creates over 10 different single vineyard bottlings of Zinfandel, the fruit for the Sonoma County labeled wine comes from vineyards throughout the Alexander,
Dry Creek and Russian River valleys. The wine is 88 percent Zinfandel with Petite Sirah, Alicante Boushe, and various other reds adding complexity to the 15 percent ABV bottling. Use of mostly neutral oak for 10 months of barrel aging showcases how spectacularly at home Zinfandel is in Sonoma County.
The nose is chock-full of big, ripe fruits like blackberries and boysenberries and some telltale spiciness. In the mouth, its gorgeously fruity and complex – think bramble compotes and black cherries – with well-balanced tannins and bright acidity.
While all of Seghesio’s Zins are well-priced, the $26 retail on the 2022 Sonoma County wine is a veritable steal considering the quality. Moreover, it is readily available in most markets. For fun, I tasted the 2022 Rockpile Zinfandel ($60 retail) from Seghesio alongside the 2022 Sonoma County and while there is a discernable difference, it also underscored how delicious the latter bottling is and why it earned the accolades from Wine Spectator.
This is a food-wine meant to be drunk now, perhaps alongside sticky Korean BBQ short ribs and a simple green salad with a shallot and red wine vinaigrette and crumbled Gorgonzola.
As always, Salud!
In Search of Solace TARIFFS & WINE
THE QUESTION ON EVERY WINE LOVERS MIND RIGHT NOW: WHAT WILL TARIFFS DO TO THE
WINE & SPIRITS INDUSTRIES?
As we go to press this month, the current federal administration in the United States is poised to initiate crushing tariffs on imported products critical to the wine and beverage industry. Among these are tariffs on imported wine and spirits, agricultural products including fruits and grains, and steel and aluminum. Other nations, in response to the U.S. government’s moves, have threatened heightened tariffs of their own.
The most frequent question I get since this began is, What do I think all of this means for the future? The answer is clear. None of this is good for the wine and beverage industries, both in the U.S. and globally, which have yet to fully recover from a global pandemic, a downturn in wine consumption across the world, and global inflationary pressures on everything that impacts the bottom line of these industries. Add to this, the critical role that immigrant labor plays in the viticultural sector - and the situation only worsens.
Esther Mobley, the San Francisco Chronicle’s wine writer, recently wrote
about the hoarding of champagne and other wine imports ahead of the imposition of tariffs.
My friends at The Vinho, an importer of small producers from Portugal, alerted their customers that their last shipment had arrived in port in New York ahead of any new tariffs, but they had no plans for further orders until things settled down.
Several industry articles recently underscored that there is such a glut of wine grapes, that, last year for example, Zinfandel grapes in California couldn’t be given away and, instead, withered on their vines. We have reported in these pages on growers in France who turned grapes into ethyl alcohol.
For canned beverage producers, the cost of aluminum in the current uncertainty has them apoplectic. They’ve been buying as much as they can in advance, but that has resulted in a scarcity of product, and a return to glass bottles for beer distribution. Barley from Canada, said one craft beer producer, could rise so much with the new tariffs that a six pack of
their beer could increase to $18.99 and the cost of pints in their tasting room increase from $8 to $12.
None of this is good for the industries and none of this is good for consumers who will ultimately pay a higher cost for products, or worse, forgo them altogether. That cascade of disaster impacts untold parties, and it is global in scope.
It feels dire as hell, because a prolonged and multi-faceted trade war is just that - dire.
Will the wine industry disappear? Of course not. It has survived millennia, plagues, and human follies of every sort - including the folly the current situation portends. But that doesn’t soften the blows that are likely imminent, and it doesn’t mean the impact won’t be disastrous.
We can’t sugar coat this one and can only hope that in the end, the bluster and capitalistic positioning will be brief.
As always, Salud!
ASCENSION
HEAL YOURSELF AND HEAL THE WORLD
SPIRITUALITY FAITH
QUESTIONS GROWTH · FOCUS
SEEKING THE HIGHEST PATH OF SERVICE AT MONASTIC SCHOOLS
NOURISHING OUR SEEDS OF HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
T“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” - Revelation 22:1-2
AMRITLAL अमृत SPIRITUALITY
CONTRIBUTOR
@monarch_visionary
HE GREATEST GIFT IS TO SERVE OTHERS IN REALIZING THEIR LIFE’S PURPOSE.
The Kingdom of Bhutan, a Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom on the Himalaya’s eastern edge, landlocked between China and India, is known for its monasteries, fortresses and dramatic landscapes that range from sub-tropical plains to steep mountains and valleys.
There are over eight major monasteries and approximately 200 smaller monasteries and nunneries, where over 12,000 monks and 5,000 nuns monks in Bhutan, split between monasteries and hermitages, serve across the country’s diverse landscape.
Prior to the introduction of secular education in the 1960s, monastic schools were a powerful force as many sought to have the highest path of service for their progeny. Since then, the popular appeal for a monastic life has dissipated. Buddhist devotion further began to wane since 1999, when Bhutan initially allowed television into its borders - the last country to succumb to pitfalls of technology’s detrimental impact on spiritual awareness.
It is now more common for monks in Bhutan to come from poor backgrounds or from rural regions where there is little hope of finding work or education. Parents place boys from as young as five-, six- or seven-years-old within a monastery, often because they cannot afford to feed them or to pay for the uniforms or textbooks required at one of the government-run schools.
The monks will be ordained while still
young, whereupon they’ll join a monastic order and consequently graduate to higher studies of Buddhism. In general, a monk’s life revolves around daily chores, Buddhist teachings and practicing meditation alongside other subjects built into the monastic curriculum such as chhokey, which is well-known as the sacred language of Tibetan Buddhism, Dzongkha, Sanskrit, English Sanskrit and mathematics… and of course, music and dance.
Monasteries play a vital social role, providing homes to thousands of children whose parents may have died or felt unable to support them. These young souls receive training in an ancient power that has been lost to the Western world, as much of civilized society is now scrambling for peace within their hearts and struggling to achieve serenity within their minds.
These children are destined to become
great teachers, as the awakening resonant force of Mother Earth calls upon us all to remember the true power of our divinity and our dormant spiritual abilities, which can only be realized as we truly embody compassionate unity.
EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IS A STEP TOWARD REALIZING OUR FULLEST POTENTIAL
When we take action to answer the prayers of the children, particularly those who are committing to a life of attaining Nirvana, praying for and serving the liberation of all beings, we are consequently benefited by the spiritual
river of compassion that fills the ether, illuminating our inner channels and meridians. Sensed as bliss, this electrical lifeforce, that is the Universal gift of selfless service, moves through our central pillar, expanding the chakra pedals of our inner Tree of Life to illuminate our veins and activate higher states of existence and recollection of spiritual memories.
Opening our hearts, as we step forward in serving the transition to a new Earth, embodying the teachings of the great masters, through the wisdom holders who have passed these lessons down through embodiment, is key to the
survival of our species. Only by wielding the inner sword of enlightenment, can we conquer the demons that ensnare mankind in self-destructive constructs.
The photographs shared within this article are of the monks of Phemsong village near Tashi Gang in Bhutan. Currently, they are renovating and expanding their monastery, and providing prayers for all those who share donations.
This project supports 18 students and 7 teachers, more information can be found at https://aelitaleto.com/ little-monks/.
AST MONTH, I WROTE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATING GOOD HABITS, SO ARE YOU A NEW, BETTER VERSION OF YOURSELF YET? MY GUESS IS PROBABLY NOT, BUT YOU MAY BE ON THE PATH.
In order to elicit major change with any sort of behavior, you must become self-aware of the ones you currently possess to see what needs to be changed, and, alternately, what can stay the same. However, the fun does not stop there, as there are additional steps that are going to transform your new habits into your new norms.
LAWS OF BEHAVIOR CHANGE
When it comes to changing behaviors and developing new habits, there are
four laws to consider when continuing good habits and shedding the habits we do not want: 1) obvious-invisible (which was covered last month), 2) attractive-unattractive, 3) easy-difficult 4) and satisfying-unsatisfying.
This month’s focus – point number 2 – is increasing self-awareness to retain the good habits (attractive) and to repel the habits you want to change (unattractive). As humans, we have far more neural circuitry allocated for wanting rewards rather than for liking them. However, it is common for individuals to look for the things they do not like, or want to avoid, far more easily. You will find evidence for whatever mindset you choose, so reframing your habits to highlight their benefits, rather than drawbacks, is a fast and efficient way to reprogram your mind.
Next, make your good habits easier to do and make the less desirable habits more difficult to perform. Again, it is human nature to do things that require the least amount of effort. If I gave
you the option to do manual labor for an hour for $20 or to do nothing for the same $20, you will take the second option 100 percent of the time.
When developing new habits, trying to motivate yourself to perform new, harder habits when easier, less desirable habits are available is like trying to force water through a bent hose. It just is not going to work, and you are going to end up taking the path of least resistance.
So rather than trying to overcome friction in your life, you can reduce it. When you reduce friction that saps your time and energy, you can achieve more with less effort. Finding ways to reduce the friction associated with your good habits and increase the friction associated with your less desirable ones is going to lead to the long-term behavior change.
Next, make your good habits more satisfying and make the less desirable habits unsatisfying. You are more likely to repeat a behavior when the experience
is satisfying than when it is not. When you were growing up, if your parents said, “Hey, good job,” that excited you and you did it again to receive the same praise.
However, when your parents said, “Do not do that again,” (and if you were not a rebellious child…. like me), you would most likely avoid that behavior again. When it comes to habits, what makes us repeat bad habits is that the often-immediate rewards.
If I want to eat healthier, then eating nothing but vegetables for a month won’t feel great, but the end result will be good. On the flip side, if I eat a plate of brownies, there will be instant gratification, but the long-term feelings won’t be so great. Again, what is rewarded will be repeated, what is “punished” will be avoided, which is why less desirable habits persist more so than good habits.
Behavior change is two-fold: making the habits you want to have more attractive, easier, and more satisfying; while making the habits you do not want keep less attractive, more difficult and less satisfying.
BUILDING BETTER HABITS
For your good habits, you can do what’s called “temptation building,” where you pair an action you want to do with an action you need to do. For example, if I want to practice mindfulness more, then a good place to start is brushing my teeth. You brush your teeth twice a day, it is something you need to do, so adding a new habit is a great way to make it stick.
You can also do something you enjoy immediately before a less desirable
THOUGHTS MATTER
habit. This way the motivation and confidence are high, so the next task becomes more manageable. To make your less desirable habits less attractive, the key is to reframe your mindset to highlight the benefits of avoiding your bad habits. Often times, the less desirable habits are guided by immediate, short-term relief or good feelings, but lack the long-term benefits. Being able to remind yourself of the good that comes from avoiding your less desirable habits can lead to the long-term change you desire.
Next, you want to make your good habits easier to perform and your less desirable habits more difficult to perform. First, it is helpful to reduce any friction related to your good habits. By decreasing the number of steps between you and your good habits, you increase the likelihood of making the desired changes.
For example, if your goal is to eat better, then meal prepping every day may seem like an overwhelming task, but if you meal prep one day that lasts four or five days, there are now fewer steps involved to complete your good habits.
Priming your environment can also help make future actions easier. If you want to eat better, then removing unhealthy foods is a quick and easy fix. For less desirable habits, you can make them more difficult by increasing friction. For example, if you scroll on TikTok before bed, try uninstalling the app. Now every time you want to use the app, you have to redownload it, sign in all over again, which is adding more steps to a seemingly simple process.
Finally, you want to make your good habits more satisfying and your less de-
sirable habits less satisfying. Using positive reinforcement and a habit tracker to keep tabs of when you complete a good habit, and celebrating that habit might increase the likelihood of continued behavior.
Acceptance can also be beneficial when performing good habits. What I mean by that is there will be days where you do not perform your good habits, but the key is to never miss twice. When you miss a habit, make sure you get back on track immediately. You can make your less desirable habits less satisfying by creating a habit contract and having an accountability partner. The contract is exactly what it sounds like: creating an agreement with yourself for the habits you want to perform, and if not, then these are the consequences.
Having an accountability partner can help you stick with your habit contract and your new habits. Someone you can talk to, someone who can talk some sense into you, guilt you, whatever you need to maintain the behaviors you want.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Life is constantly changing, so you need to periodically check in to see if your old habits and beliefs are still serving you. If they are, great, keep them going, but if they are not helping you live the life you want, then it’s time for change. Creating new habits is not easy, but the holy grail of habit change is not a single 1 percent improvement, but a thousand of them. So even when it feels like you are not making any progress, keep going and keep striving for the life you want to live.
